In response To Statement from Mayor Sandy Brown July 2, 2020

Comrades, Veterans, Families & Citizens of Orangeville;

First, I would like to thank Mayor Sandy Brown and Deputy Mayor Andy Macintosh for meeting with the Legion on Monday June 29th 2020. 

In response to Mayor Brown’s statement that we the Legion are open minded and willing to discuss improving Alexander Park and Lot #12 across the road: Open minded individuals can also come up with great ideas that respect our Fallen, our Veterans, their Families, the Citizens of Orangeville. To be clear, respect does not include moving our Cenotaphs and our Monuments. Alexandra Park - we consider this property as hallowed ground. It represents everything about remembrance and respect. The current location is a half-acre parcel. Lot #12 is a third of the size of Alexandra Park. Everyone would agree that on Remembrance Day we barely accommodate the attendance of our Veterans, Canadian Forces Personnel, Cadets, First Responders, Churches, Service Clubs, School Children and everyone else. 

I think everyone can agree that parking is an issue in the downtown core. The island down the middle of Broadway is a hazard to our first responders not to mention accessibility for our businesses downtown. Stop spending money on repair and remove the island. Bring back angle parking. The parking Lot across from the City Hall should incorporate a permanent location for our Farmers Market. Create a two-tier lot with parking and permanent booths for our Farmers and small business. There are many ways to improve without disrespecting our Fallen, our Veterans, their Families. 

I would like to thank Mayor Brown and Deputy Mayor Macintosh committing that no changes will be made to Alexandra Park without the approval of the Legion. The Legion looks forward to our continued respect between the Town of Orangeville and Branch #233. 

Yours In comradeship,

Barry Kimber President Branch 233 

Comrades,

Sure is hot and muggy here, but with brilliant Sunshine!  I was invited to accompany Pres Barry to a meeting with Mayor and Deputy.  It went well.  Barry raised all known concerns.  It was clarified that this proposal was first presented at a Council Meeting and the Mayor and Deputy stated no action will be taken until the Legion, all stakeholders and the public have input, which they expect to be a long process due to regulations to be be followed.  Barry asked the Mayor, as a Town representative, if he would make a public statement immediately. The Mayor said Yes, so look for it within 48 hours.  (Barry was very well prepared, including paperwork, maps and so forth) I hope we can go forward amicably and that our Cenotaph and Memorials remain.

In comradeship,

  Rose Elsdon