Update on Hastings Park Project

The Hastings Park Commemoration Committee met on November 14 to review our project outline for grant applications and to receive an update on Hastings Park redevelopment activity from planner Dave Hutch. Currently the Livestock building is undergoing a necessary seismic upgrade and roof replacement. City Council will finalize approvals in early 2012 for implementing Livestock Building redevelopment phases. Phase 2 will involve an architect for planning and rebuilding the interior and replacing windows and doors. It is critical for our committee to work with the building’s planners, designers and managers so that the concept and development of our interpretive centre will be supported and accommodated as the livestock building is rebuilt. Dave Hutch also reported there is 8 million dollars allocated for the Park’s first greening phase which includes establishing signage. We are seeking the City’s support (including funding) for setting up interpretive signage in the various sites where Japanese Canadians were detained. As a first step, we are jointly developing 1 interpretive sign with the City in the new year. It is also important for us to share information about our community and our project, engage with, and develop a mutually supportive relationship with other Hastings Park stakeholders, such as the Heritage Advisory Committee. As we would like to introduce ourselves, and our project to the PNE, and seek their endorsement and support, we have requested a meeting in early December with key representatives, PNE CEO Mike McDaniel, PNE Vice President and Park Board general manager Malcolm Bromley, and PNE Board Director Richard Saunders. We also appreciate the strong support throughout the year from City Councillors Kerry Jang, Raymond Louie and ex councillor Ellen Woodsworth. We thank Ellen Woodsworth and sincerely wish her well in all her future endeavors. As a final note, the GVJCCA and The Bulletin are receiving names of Hastings Park detainees and we thank those who have sent us information. We are also planning to search for any detainee records which might be kept in Ottawa’s National Archives. We will continue to regularly report on this project.