The Royal Canadian Legion may be a few dollars short, but the physical work on phase 1 of the reenvisioned Community Cenotaph Park will soon start. Unless things change within the next few weeks, phase 2 will have to be delayed until the 2018 construction season.

Pledged funds need to be forthcoming and efforts to raise additional dollars will continue, says Dave Usherwood, committee chair and Cochrane Legion 1st vice-president.

"Actual work on the parkette should be commencing and visible within the next few weeks starting with a general cleanup of the park," says Usherwood.

Located next to the Legion on the corner of  5th Ave. and 1st St. W., crews will be removing the rail fencing and broken planters from the park. New parking barriers will be installed and the appearance of the existing chain-link fenced will be improved. Usherwood encourages to people to watch the progress as they pass the site.

In the meantime, work is progressing at Studio West Foundry and Art Studio to cast the First World War soldier and its unveiling is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 26.

Phase 2 will see the complementing features of the park enhanced but it currently isn't possible. It still could proceed this fall, however, if the anticipated $75,000 in provincial and federal funding becomes available within the next couple of weeks. 

To donate funds, you can drop by the Cochrane branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 114-5th Ave. Should you require a tax receipt, you can make your donation at the Town of Cochrane office, located in the Cochrne RancheHouse, 101 RancheHouse Rd.