Canada’s national holiday will provide Vernonites with a chance to celebrate the life of Mr. Canada Day.
A memorial in Patrick Nicol’s honour will be unveiled at about 1 p.m. Tuesday in Polson Park.
“It’s modest but meaningful,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
Nicol, who died in January, was a city councillor for 22 years and organized the community’s Canada Day festivities for decades.
The memorial will consist of seating and a plaque on a large rock. It will be located near the checker board area by the bandshell.
“People meant a lot to him and people can gather around it,” said Cunningham, adding that the location was an obvious choice for the permanent memorial.
“He loved Polson Park. It was really important to him.”
The concept for the memorial was designed after the city received numerous suggestions from residents on how to remember Nicol.
“We got calls and letters from people and they were very emotional,” said Cunningham.
Beyond being a city councillor and Canada Day organizer, Nicol was a veteran broadcaster, advocate for many community organizations and Regional District of North Okanagan chairperson.
“His passing resonated with people. He was unique in many ways. He devoted a big part of his life to community service,” said Cunningham.
Taking part in Tuesday’s dedication ceremony will be Nicol’s brother John from Vancouver.
