Battleford launching commemorative bench program

Local residents who want to honour the life of a loved one may be interested in the Town of Battleford’s new commemorative bench program.

As discussed at council’s recent meeting, people can purchase a bench with a plaque bearing their loved one’s name, to be placed in a suitable location throughout the community.

“It was brought forth by some citizens who had seen it in other communities and in the media,” Mayor Ames Leslie said following the meeting. “The parks and rec. department and the parks and rec. director got together and devised a policy and an application to council to approve the ability for people to buy and sponsor benches that will be utilized inside the community to commemorate a loved one, maybe even somebody still alive that is significant in their life.”

Commemorative benches with a plaque can be purchased for $1,500 plus tax for the vinyl-coated model for green spaces and parks, or $2,500 plus tax for a metal model for walking trails and naturalized green spaces. The cost also covers the installation and concrete pad for the bench.