MacKay announces funding for Westville cenotaph restoration project

Published on November 08, 2014

Sueann Musick -The News

Westville Mayor Roger MacKay, left, Westville CAO Kelly Rice and Pictou East MLA Tim Houstan were on hand to hear an announcement by Central Nova MP Peter MacKay, right, in regards to federal government funding for the restoration of the Westville cenotaph.

WESTVILLE - Ongoing restorations at the Westville Cenotaph are getting a boost from the federal government.

Central Nova MP Peter MacKay announced Saturday that the restoration project is the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the federal government to towards repairs on the monument and the make it more accessible for visitors of all ages.

We must never forget the heavy price that has been paid to defend our cherished way of life, and protect our shared values. Since Confederation, more than 2.3 million Canadians have served in our Armed Forces. Tragically, 118,000 never returned home, said MacKay.

We were reminded all too tragically of that reality only weeks ago, when terror attacks took two brave soldiers from our great nation. As Canadians we remain united, and these terrible events serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.

Funding will go towards the cleaning of the monument and applying a protective coating and new wording. The area has also been landscaped and new steps, handrails and walkways are installed to improve accessibility.

The cenotaph, completed in 1921 as a memorial to those from Westville lost in the First World War, features a bronze statue of a grief-stricken soldier created by renowned Canadian sculptor Emanuel Hahn.

After the sculpture, the first of its kind in Canada, was unveiled, 10 other communities across Canada wanted the design. Westvilles memorial, however, is the only one signed by Hahn and has been described as the finest community war memorial in Canada.

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MacKay announces funding for Westville cenotaph restoration project