For Immediate Release
June 29, 2012
Old Fort Erie Peace Garden Dedicated during
Friendship Festival Opening Ceremonies
Garden will form part of Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail
Fort Erie, ON – As part of the official opening ceremonies of the 26th annual Friendship Festival, Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) Chair, Janice Thomson, along with area dignitaries were proud to unveil the official plaque that will be placed in the new Peace Garden established at NPC’s Old Fort Erie heritage site.
Old Fort Erie’s Peace Garden is one of 12 to be dedicated this summer and fall. There are 22 Binational Peace Gardens that are being established in 2012 as part of the “Binational Heritage Peace Garden Trail”, an 1812 Bicentennial legacy project that links heritage, architecture, gardens and cultural activities to commemorate the 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States of America.
The new Peace Garden is located in front of the Visitor Centre at the entrance of Old Fort Erie. While the garden is small, it is placed within the larger, landscaped grounds of the Old Fort as a lasting impression for every guest, with a design that represents the theme of peace.
A sign is also being installed to tell Old Fort Erie’s War of 1812 story. It highlights the Siege of the Fort, from August 3 to September 21, 1814 and also includes additional information of importance to this area, including the discovery of ancient flint quarries in the region, the Fenian Raids and the Underground Railroad.
Beyond the Binational Peace Garden Trail, Old Fort Erie’s Peace Garden is also paired with one in the beautiful coastal town of St. Mary’s, Georgia, USA. The existing St. Mary’s Memory Garden (created by the St. Mary’s Earth Keepers in 2008) is located near an ancient wall of the historic Oak Grove Cemetery (est. 1788), which is the final resting place of Acadians and War of 1812 soldiers.
“The preservation of Niagara’s unique history is an incredibly important aspect of what we do at Niagara Parks,” said NPC Chair Janice Thomson. “Preserving, promoting and enhancing sites such as our Old Fort Erie Heritage Site and this new Peace Garden that we are dedicating today are some of the most important things we can do as a Commission.”
“The planning for the 1812 Bicentennial was definitely the catalyst for this project. As more citizens became involved, we recognized the interest in creating Peace Gardens to share our binational stories went well beyond a single event, and the linkage of these through the creation of the trail, provides a demonstration of our shared interest in celebrating peace”, advises Arlene White, Executive Director of the Binational Alliance, and Project Lead for this initiative. “Bicentennial themed gardens will continue to be launched throughout 2013 and 2014, and communities have already approached us with new garden sites and Binational themes that will celebrate and commemorate historic events and our cross-border connections.”
About The Niagara Parks Commission
The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that preserves a rich heritage, conserves natural wonders and inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
Other Peace Gardens being dedicated on the trail this year include:
June 1 Burt, NY
June 15 Leamington, ON
June 16 Grimsby, ON, Sacket’s Harbor, NY
June 21 Tecumseh, ON
June 22 Thamesville, ON
June 29 Youngstown, NY
July 1 Fort Erie, ON
July 4 St. Mary’s GA
July 19 Windsor, ON
July 20 Colchester, ON
July 22 Lancaster, NY
Aug 9 Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Aug 26 Black Rock, Buffalo, NY
Sept 1 Winery, Colchester, ON
Sept 8 Olde Sandwiche Towne, Windsor, ON
Sept 15 Kingsville, ON
Sept 22 Botanical Gardens, Buffalo NY
Sept (tbd) Niagara University, NY
Oct 13 Amherstburg, ON – 2 sites
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For More Information:
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Peace Garden Trail
Arlene White Executive Director Binational Alliance
Tel: 905-401-4450
Email: arlene.white@btapartners.com
www.binationalheritagepeacegardentrail.com
The Niagara Parks Commission:
Tony Baldinelli
Acting Director, Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 905-356-2241 x 220
Email: tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com
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