Quartek has been integral to the First Nations Peace Monument project at DeCew House Heritage Park in Thorold since 2017. The monument, conceptualized by the celebrated Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, is a symbolic tribute to the Indigenous people’s contribution to the preservation of British North America, now known as Canada, dating back to the War of 1812. The monument’s location is significant as it marks the spot where Laura Secord met with native scouts who helped escort her to the British command post to warn of an impending American attack. The intelligence she gathered later led to the successful defensive battle at Queenston Heights by the combined Aboriginal, loyalist, and British forces, an event that altered the course of history in the region and Canada as a whole.
Quartek has played a role in the monument’s development, contributing design expertise and committee time. Our involvement has included planning for site drainage, landscape design, signage base design, parking lot lighting, and final details for the installation of a central bronze sculpture. The sculpture, with its polished reflective gold finish, serves as the final piece of the monument and enhances the visitor experience. This Spring, once the security systems are in place, the bronze orb will be permanently anchored at the centre of the limestone monument base. In the interim, it will be displayed in Brock University’s Quad for the next few months. Last Friday afternoon, the Monument Committee arranged for a preview placement of the sculpture to determine the best orientation for its final installation in 2024. Robert Mackenzie, a committee member, has provided some images to give us a glimpse of what to expect. The weather was perfect, and the quality of light on Friday showcased the sculpture beautifully. Quartek will be recognized as one of the significant contributors to this project.