Chambre Wakefield La Peche Chamber is delighted to thank all of you who turned out to make our celebration of the new River Walk/Promenade Riveraine such fun and such a real success. The weather cooperated, folks looked beautiful on the Boardwalk, the musicians were all greatly appreciated: Charles Weiner on Piano, Matt Selic on Accordion, Evan Vandenberg on Violin (and they brought a friend on Banjo), Pierrot et ses amis on Drums, Michel-Andre Vallieres, singing and on guitar. Special mention to Dougal Rattray and his stirring bagpipes. All the musicians had their own happy crowds around them.
The gardens were looking lovely, we saw folks meditating on the docks, what a great idea, kids with ice-creams, bicycles on the paths, familiar faces and visitors strolling on the boardwalk, canoes and paddle boards on the river (did you see the pirate boat go by) and everyone on the terraces of the local cafes and restaurants and shopping in the local shops.
Our ceremony of thanks was crowded out with so many friends and families and visitors in Peace Park. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank all our volunteers, from the early advisory committee, to the project steering committee under Liane Benoit, to the chamber volunteers under Helene Giroux; to thank our many local and regional contractors who delivered the goods just in time for our celebration, including our patient coordinator Dominick Meloche; and of course our funders; Canada 150 represented by our MP Will Amos, the Province represented by our MNA Minister Stephanie Vallee, CLD/MRC Louise Marchildon, Tourisme Outaouais Genevieve Dumas. And last but not least our two mayors, our old friend Robert Bussiere who got a standing ovation, and our new supporter Guillaume Lamoureux who is ready to take on the task of keeping up the Promenade Riveraine/River Walk.
A learning moment was provided by Ken Bouchard of Sentiers Wakefield Trails who told us the story of all the new historic plaques along the waterfront and the new route for the Trans Canada Trail which now follows your River Walk. A special mention to Wakefield's own Nathalie Coutou, Metis artist and Khewa entrepreneur, who honoured us with a blessing on our proceedings and unveiled the beautiful indigenous historic plaque in Geggie Park. Finally, my own thanks to Tasha Forget and Shelley Crabtree who helped organize the day. Tasha is putting up the photos on our Facebook page and on our website cwlpc.ca But the real thanks is to all of you for enjoying your new waterfront and waiting patiently for the work to be completed.
You are invited to come and walk the Wakefield River Walk!