Castleton Cenotaph could see restorations in 2025
Photo of the Castleton Cenotaph. Credit Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 News, Local Journalism Initiative.
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 News, Local Journalism Initiative.
The Castleton Cenotaph could soon see a facelift. A local resident approached Cramahe Township Council feeling that the Cenotaph requires upgrades, maintenance and sidewalk work.
In 2014, the Colborne Cenotaph was restored, yet Castleton was not. At that time, Council worked with a local heritage group and the Colborne Legion Branch 187 on restoration of the World War 1 monument.
“Cenotaphs are obviously quite important in our small little towns,” said Cramahe Township Council Deputy Clerk Nicole Newton. “Staff are requesting that in 2025, staff and the Council representatives work with the Castleton Cenotaph to determine a project plan and utilize the grants through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Community War Memorial stream with the aim to have this completed by the 2025 Remembrance Day ceremony.”
A Council report describes cenotaphs as vital to honourning the sacrifices of men and women during conflicts and war. In small communities, where the loss of life may have been deeply felt, cenotaphs are a lasting link between the past and present. Maintaining them is not about physical preservation, but respecting those who served.
“Staff are requesting approval to investigate the Castleton Cenotaph restoration project and, if approved, permission to apply for a grant to complete the works,” explained Newton.
Cramahe Township has approximately $20,000 from the Colborne Cenotaph restoration, which could be reallocated to the Castleton project to cover expenses not approved through the federal grant. Deputy Mayor Sandra Arthur and Councillor Ed Van Egmond have been appointed to work on the project.
