The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently celebrated the unveiling of two lasting community projects at Charles Ansell Park, overlooking Lock 1 of the Welland Canal—a Peace Pole and a water filling station. The projects marked the completion of nearly two years of planning and collaboration with the City of St. Catharines.Charles Ansell Park, developed through a partnership between the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore and the City of St. Catharines, has become a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. Over the years, the club has continued to enhance the park with projects that leave a lasting legacy for the community.
During the ceremony, charter member Bruce Timms shared the history of Charles Ansell Park and how the club has continued to build on its original vision, enhancing the park one project at a time. Past President Coral Timms served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Made possible through a Rotary District 7090 District Grant, the City of St. Catharines, and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore, the new water filling station provides fresh drinking water and a bottle filling station for walkers, cyclists, tourists, and local residents enjoying Lock 1 of the Welland Canal. The project also supports Rotary's Area of Focus of Supporting the Environment by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and reducing single-use plastic waste.
Standing nearby, the new Peace Pole bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in Japanese, English, French, and Anishinaabemowin. Positioned at the gateway to the Great Lakes, it shares Rotary's message of peace with the thousands of visitors who pass through Lock 1 each year.
Mayor Mat Siscoe recognized the important role Rotary clubs play in strengthening the St. Catharines community through service and partnerships. District Governor Joanne Serkeyn shared the history of the Peace Pole movement and reminded those in attendance that peace begins by focusing on what we have in common rather than what divides us.
The ceremony concluded with everyone gathered joining together in saying, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
These two projects are another example of how Rotary clubs, municipalities, and community partners can work together to create lasting improvements that benefit residents and visitors while advancing Rotary's mission of promoting peace, protecting the environment, and strengthening our communities.