Long time Victoria Harbour residents donate tribute bench dedicated to “All First Responders”

On a drive around town earlier this year Gary noticed that one of the memorial benches he had donated was extremely weathered and in need of some repair, so he called up Tay Township Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facility Services Bryan Anderson with an idea “We’ve been building these benches since the mid 90’s, and I thought maybe we could do something different. This isn’t a memorial bench but a tribute bench, for people like Firefighters, Police, Ambulance, EMS, all of the first responder professions, up to and including pharmacists.”

The refurbished tribute bench is placed in front of Fire Hall 5 at 266 Park Street in Victoria Harbour, a place that Tay Township Fire Chief Shawn Aymer appreciates “as you know first responders don’t take praise very well, they’re very modest people at times, so subtle reminders like this, are very nice, especially where this bench is located.”

On hand to thank Gary and Jean for the donation was Tay Township Mayor Ted Walker, who agrees that this donation is an important and timely tribute “where would we be if it weren’t for the first responders over the last 18 months, all of the sacrifices they made, including to their family life, it’s just great to have this here for all people to look at and enjoy.”

On behalf of all Tay Township residents we thank Gary and Jean for their long-lasting tribute to Tay Township.

For more information on the Memorial Bench Program please contact Bryan Anderson at 705-534-7248 ext. 235.

Tay Township is committed to delivering responsive and cost-effective municipal services and infrastructure that provide for the long-term economic, social and environmental well-being of its residents and community.

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Contacts:

Elizabeth Smith

Communications Specialist

Phone: 705-534-7248 x264

Email: esmith@tay.ca