The provincial government’s Community Development Bureau will provide $30,000 toward the construction of the Service Memorial Fountain in Charlottetown. The support from the CDB is in addition to the $47,000 worth of project management and design services already provided by the provincial Department of Transportation and Public Works.
The fountain will be located on the Grafton Street side of the Coles Building.
It will honour the contributions of three very special groups of Island volunteers: members of the Armed Forces; members of national and municipal police forces and federal and provincial peace officers; and members of community fire services.
“These three professions serve their community and their country, always prepared to sacrifice life, limb or peace of mind for our protection,” said Premier Pat Binns. “They help us in hundreds of ways, not the least of which is to remind us of the importance of the selfless act of giving. Though these volunteers expect no recognition, I believe their efforts should be recognized.”
The fountain is a project of the PEI Service Memorial Foundation. The group has actively campaigned for this important recognition. The fountain will also provide a focus for remembering the families of those who died while accompanying their loved ones who were assigned overseas.
“There are many people who have given their lives to support their communities but have not always been recognized for their sacrifice,“ said Bill Minnis of the PEI Service Memorial Foundation. ”We feel we have an obligation to remember everyone who has sacrificed for their country and we hope this fountain will accomplish that.”
“On behalf of the Community Development Bureau, I am pleased to be able to make a contribution to this very worthwhile project,“ said Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. “It is our hope that this memorial will honour these brave men and women and will remind Islanders about the importance and the value of peace.”
The City of Charlottetown will accept and maintain the memorial. Work will begin on the fountain this summer as part of the City’s 150th anniversary.