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UPDATE: Wildfire monument to represent renewal, healing and community spirit

Last Updated Jun 1, 2017 at 2:16 pm MDT

PHOTO. Maquette of a monument to commemorate the 2016 wildfire. Jenna Hamilton/MORNING REPORTER.

The Heroes of Wood Buffalo Project community committee have unveiled a small-scale model of the monument that will be placed in the community to reflect and honour the many heroes who played a role in the 2016 wildfire.

The theme of the piece is renewal, healing and community spirit.

Renowned Canadian sculptor Morgan Macdonald has developed the monument and the committee stresses that the figures in the piece will be consulted with various stakeholders and community groups to ensure accuracy.

 

PHOTO. Maquette of a monument to commemorate the 2016 wildfire. Jenna Hamilton/MORNING REPORTER.
PHOTO. Maquette of a monument to commemorate the 2016 wildfire. Jenna Hamilton/MORNING REPORTER.

 

The finished monument will be 16 feet tall and created in sculptural bronze, for its longevity and timeless qualities, and stainless steel, with a structural integrity that can last for an indeterminate amount of time due to its resistance to corrosion.

Once installed, the monument will require very little maintenance and will last for centuries

The monument will include a walkway of footprint castings following a circular path that returns to the statue, this represents departure and return to the community. The committee is also looking to include a time capsule element.

 


More details on these aspect of the project will be provided in the future.

They’re hoping to place the monument in Beacon Hill, looking over downtown, Responders Way, Fire Hall #1 and everyone driving south on Highway 63 will be able to see it.

This proposed location will also include a park to celebrate the lives of Emily Ryan and Aaron Hodgson, cousins tragically lost during the evacuation of the community in May, 2016

“We’re hopeful to do something great for the community that’ll give us somewhere to go and a memory to hold on to and a place to build new memories for families for years to come,” said Cranley Ryan, father of Emily Ryan.

The committee is working with the RMWB to develop conceptual drawings that can further define the project and provide direction for future development.