Blind River council has approved a list of tradespeople to build an accessible memorial gazebo at popular Sellers Beach.
Construction of the Bea Jensen Memorial Gazebo could start this month depending on the level of provincial pandemic restrictions in place by the time construction starts.
The town’s director of facilities and community services Karen Bittner presented the plan to council at Monday evening’s virtual meeting.
The project was planned by the local Rotary Club to honour long-time community volunteer and club member Bea Jensen who died last year. The club raised $32,000 to undertake the build.
“The Town of Blind River is home to many skilled carpenters,” Bittner said in her report. “Many of these capable tradespeople have family ties to the Jensen family, as such, are willing to donate labour in order to ensure this project comes to fruition on budget, and within 2021 for the community to enjoy.”
The group includes Kyle MacLeod, Aaron MacLeod, Frank Francoeur, Jeff Francoeur, Pat Brannan, Toni Heppler, Rick Gregory, Nathan MacLeod, Travis MacLeod, Trevor MacLeod, and Jimmy Tulloch.
Council had asked Bittner to provide a list of tradespeople for the project. Its approval of the work to go ahead will provide town insurance coverage of $110 for the build and ensure labour scheduling, permits, and construction standards are met.
All work is required to uphold all requirements under COVID-19, Workplace Safety, as well as the town’s insurance policy at the time of construction.
For many years Jensen was a teacher at St. Joseph School in Blind River and left a mark on each and every child she taught.
She was involved with numerous organizations including NSHN Blind River Foundation/auxiliary/board member, Rotary, Golden Birches Terrace Council, Union Representative for AEFO, Paroisse Ste-Famille church committee member, canvasser for Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Foundation and Kidney Foundation.
Her greatest love and passion was organizing the Blind River Senior Games.