A FIRST PLAQUE IS AFFIXED ON A PLAINS OF ABRAHAM BENCH
Quebec City, October 4, 2006 – This afternoon, as part of the new commemorative donations program, Mr. Marc Boilard, Green Environment Officer for the National Battlefields Commission, affixed the first commemorative plaque on a park bench in the presence of the donor, Mrs. Hélène Costin. The ceremony was held on Grey Terrace, which is one of the preferred locations, along with the Joan of Arc Garden, to install these commemorative benches. A beneficial gesture, a totally natural heritage.
“When I read the newspaper article, I remembered all the dedicated benches I had seen in Vancouver and London. I then realised that I could read my father’s name on one of those benches near my home and moreover, with a splendid view of the river, the view that my father used to enjoy so much. Is there any greater gift for the people we love, a gift we can enjoy ourselves?” said a smiling Mrs Costin as she stood in front of the bench that now bears the inscription: “En souvenir de Jean-Marie Costin qui aimait voir le fleuve, 2-02-1922 à 21-09-2005, offert par ses enfants” (In memory of Jean-Marie Costin who loved to look at the river, 2-02-1922 to 21-09-2005, offered by his children). This long bench with a backrest made of ash and cast aluminium, is one of a series of 10 park benches, seven of which are located in the Joan of Arc Garden and three on Grey Terrace.
A place of remembrance par excellence, the National Battlefields Park offers citizens an opportunity to emphasize an event dear to their hearts in a natural setting. Whether the idea is to mark a birth, an anniversary, a death or any other event, the park, with its remarkable past and one of the most prestigious city parks in the world, comprising the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park, among others, is a commemorative site cut out for that purpose. Four existing trees have already found a buyer. This new commemorative donations program was set up following a request submitted to the Commission.
A tax deductible donation lets donors choose a splendid tree or a stylish, elegant bench designed for this purpose, with a commemorative plaque, and select the most suitable location available. The general public can choose among three different modalities: a tree from the park’s collection (for a $500 donation), the planting of a tree (for a $1000 donation) or a prestige park bench (for a $1,500 donation). Certain conditions apply.
The donations collected allow the National Battlefields Commission to carry on with its mission for the park’s conservation and development. Each donation entirely covers the actual cost of the tree or bench and is allocated to the production or purchase, and to maintenance. The purpose of the commemorative donations program is to upgrade the park’s furniture and give the public an opportunity to commemorate a personal event.
According to the demand, the National Battlefields Commission expects to install a total of 25 prestige benches in the Joan of Arc Garden and 20 on Grey Terrace. These preferred sites reflect the park’s magnificence and offer an outstanding view of the majestic St. Lawrence river or on the splendid floral display of the Plains of Abraham. Redevelopment work is being considered for Grey Terrace to better set off the style of the park benches.
People who are interested and who would like more information are invited to inquire to the National Battlefields Commission at (418) 648-3506 or at this address: information@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca.