Garden Club looks to plant Indigenous Commemorative and Healing Garden in Cloyne

Craig Bakay | Dec 15, 2021

The Land O’Lakes Garden Club wants to plant an Indigenous Commemorative and Healing Garden at Benny Lake Park in Cloyne near the museum and as such presented their case to Addington Highlands Council at its regular (online) meeting Dec. 7

Spokesperson Mary Johnston told Council that she, Nancy Strachan and Rosemary Teed were chosen to begin the planning process but the entire club is involved and has had input.

“This is a garden club project, were just representatives of the club,” she said.

She said they have put away $5,000 and while they would be making a request for some funding from the Township, the project is still very much in the planning process and they’d be back once they get a budget figured out.

The garden will feature the four indigenous sacred plants — tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass as well as signage explaining the significance of each one and the teachings they represent.

Johnston said the project began last May and was inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation report as well as the discovery of mass graves at former residential school sites.

“But, it will be designed as a place of reflection for all,” she said. “None of us (the garden club) are activists, we’re gardeners.

“We grow things.”

The location of the garden was chosen for its accessibility, and she said the Cloyne and District Historical Society has lent its approval and support, as has North Frontenac Township. The North Addington Education Centre, which is right across the street, has even designated a vice-principal to act as its liaison.

But the most important contacts are with local indigenous groups, most of whom have already been consulted and expressed support for the project.

“Our primary concern is for First Nations and Metis to have their say,” Johnston said. “We need their input, their design.

“They are the wellspring. The garden club members are the instruments of funding, organizing and planting.”

As such, Johnston said, they’re hoping to finalize a design with First Nations and Metis communities early in 2022 after which they can finalize a budget, a large part of which will likely be an underground irrigation system. If all goes well, they’re looking at site preparation for April-August and a dedication ceremony Sept. 30.

She said it will likely take a couple of years before they get the garden to how they envision it but in any event, the integrity of existing trees and placements will be preserved.

Dep. Reeve Tony Fritsch told Johnston that budget deliberations for 2022 had yet to begin but are scheduled for early in the new year and encouraged to club to get their request in as early as possible.

“We have made grants to the garden club in the past,” he said.

“I think you’ll be very proud of the results,” Johnston said.

Rogers Cell Tower

Council concurred that a Rogers Communications proposed wireless communications tower on Rosenblath Road in Cloyne is fully compliant with the proponent’s obligations. Final approval for the tower rests with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Christmas Hampers

Council approved a $500 donation to the Denbigh Griffith Lions Club for the Christmas Hamper Program.

“This is new,” said CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed. “We have donated to the Northbrook Lions and Land O’Lakes Community Services for similar programs.”

“I think we still have some money set aside for these things that hasn’t been requested yet,” said Reeve Henry Hogg.

Contact Tracing

Reeve Henry Hogg told Council that according to the Community Control Group, contact tracing for the Fixed Santa Claus Parade in Denbigh wouldn’t be required because they did not expect to exceed 75 per cent capacity.

When asked what a fixed parade was, Hogg responded: “It’s like a regular parade but it doesn’t move.”

Mississippi Valley Conservation

Coun. Kirby Thompson reported that the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority budget was not approved at its most recent meeting.

Election Signs

Responding to a recent L & A County bylaw prohibiting election signs on County property including road allowances, Coun. Helen Yanch said: “I guess I won’t have to buy as many signs.”

Coun. David Miles said: “I kind of question this (bylaw)” to which CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Christine Reed responded: “Some of the intersections get kind of cluttered. It’s a sight lines issue.”

Food Bank

Council approved a $1,500 donation as well as a $25 gift certificate to the grocery store for staff in lieu of the annual staff appreciation dinner where food bank donations would normally be collected.