PHOTO (left to right): Warden of the County of Renfrew, Debbie Robinson; Chief Wendy Jocko, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
The County of Renfrew is moving forward with plans to build a Reconciliation Garden on the grounds of the administration building in Pembroke. Director of Development and Property, Craig Kelley, provided a brief update to the committee meeting on Tuesday afternoon (May 10th, 2022). Kelley says they will have markings on rocks, an inner healing circle with local stone and other elements incorporated.
Warden Debbie Robinson says they will be sourcing local products wherever possible.
Warden Robinson says she has shared the sketch with Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief Wendy Jocko. She adds the name “Reconciliation Garden” was previously suggested and has also asked if the Algonquin People want to offer a new name in the Algonquin language.
The County of Renfrew Development and Property Committee is recommending that County Council engage with William Sons of Petawawa for the construction of the Reconciliation Garden. The County previously budgeted $100,000 for the Reconciliation Garden, however a revised scope of the project and budget will be brought back for consideration at a later date.
William Sons is engaged with a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation on the design and has shown his desire to obtain and engage local supplies, labour, and artists wherever possible.
The goal is to start the project immediately with a completion date in September of 2022. The Renfrew County Reconciliation Garden would be located in the land in front of the administration building at 9 International Drive in Pembroke.
