The Town of Ladysmith will honour a former mayor who was instrumental in creating Transfer Beach Park.
Kathleen Grouhel was the town’s first female mayor and served in the role for 12 years starting in 1964.
A ceremony on Oct. 2 at Transfer Beach will feature an unveiling of a historical sign highlighting her efforts to shape Ladysmith.
“Without Mayor Grouhel’s leadership and vision, Transfer Beach would not be the jewel that it is today. It is only fitting that we honour her legacy with an interpretive sign in the very place she envisioned years ago,” says Mayor Deena Beeston.
The town invited residents of Ladysmith and the Stz’uminus First Nation to submit poems recognizing Grouhel’s work. Shelly A. Leedahl’s poem was chosen to be included on the new sign and to be read at the ceremony.
“Leedahl’s poem was chosen for its remarkable ability to capture the full essence of Mayor Grouhel’s enduring contributions to the community and the waterfront,” says Don Stewart, the town’s arts, culture and events coordinator.
The event will start at 11 a.m. at the upper pavilion at Transfer Beach on Oct. 2.
