POLL: 5 designs for RCMP memorial presented to Moncton residents

MONCTON – Moncton residents were invited to see five models vying to be the city’s RCMP memorial Wednesday evening.

Resident Gloria Wigmore says she wanted to be a part of it.

“I think it’s very important to commemorate what has happened in the past on June 4 by having the best sculpture we can possibly have in tribute to them,” she said.

Talk of a memorial surfaced shortly after three officers were shot and killed and two others were badly wounded in Moncton last June.

Wednesday night residents saw a variety of ideas that included massive maple leaves, life-sized sculptures of the fallen officers and public areas of reflection related to the event.

The wives of the fallen mounties also attended the public meeting. At times they wiped back tears during the presentations.

VOTE: Which memorial proposal do you want to see built?

Three New Brunswick artists are in the running for the memorial. It will be built in Riverfront Park.

Peter Powning’s display includes a large obelisk that lights up in the night time to reveal special words of meaning.

“It’s tall, it’s monumental, it’s iconic and based on the ancient form of the obelisk and I think the other thing that sets it apart is community engagement,” he said.

Artist Fred Harrison said he wanted to create a timeless memorial.

“It’s going to pertinent and personal right now,” he said. “In the future people aren’t going to have the same contact with this story and we want it to be effective then.”

Moncton councillor Paulette Theriault says whichever work is chosen for the city will be part of its continuing healing process.

“People who come to visit our city will be able to look at this monument and feel inspired,” she said.

The updated conception for the chosen memorial will be unveiled on June 4.