Kincardine Council received an update regarding community engagement on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
On January 24, 2024, council approved the resources needed to engage the community for input regarding the Secord Monument.
The monument that used to be on Queen Street in front of the library had to be moved for construction work as part of the Downtown Dig.
Council had been asked to consider where to place the monument following the work, as it couldn’t be put back exactly where it had been, but it could be placed nearby.
That’s when council decided to have a conversation about the monument itself.
Dedicated to Dr. Solomon Secord, it was erected after his death in 1910.
Secord, who was a descendant of Laura Secord, served as a doctor in Kincardine for 50 years.
However, concerns were raised as the monument, which includes a sundial, points out that Secord served as a surgeon in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, reading:
“I mark the Sunny Hours. To Solomon Secord, 1834-1910. Our family physician for 50 years. This memorial was erected by his loving friends. Served as surgeon with the Southern Army during the American Civil War. All that lived he loved, and without regard for fee or reward, he did his work for love of his fellows.”
Dr. Laura Mae Lindo was chosen as the consultant for the engagement process.
Speaking to council on Wednesday, she said, “In the time that I’ve been doing this work, I’ve seen quite a few municipalities have to grapple with some of the monuments and commemorations that now are troubling to people in [the] community.”
Lindo says that rather than simply asking the public to decide what happens with the monument, the consultation instead asked what the next step of the process should be.
“It’s allowing people to provide where some of those bigger concerns are,” says Lindo. “Which will allow council to ensure that they have provided for some of those needs as well.”
Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke praised the efforts that went into the consultation, saying “The work that has gone into this has been tremendous. Sometimes when we sit on this side of the table, we don’t appreciate the various moving parts and the challenges that are faced in navigating what can be difficult conversations.”
There is also a second memorial monument dedicated to him, in Kincardine Cemetery, which reads:
“In memoriam to Solomon Secord, M.D. Erected by his friends to a man who was unalterably opposed to all forms of insincerity cant and hypocrisy. He loved children and animals and was rich in all things worth while. His life was devoted to benevolence and charity and he still lives in the affection of the people. His last words were “give my love to everybody.”
A decision from council is expected in August 2024.
Updates on each phase of the process through the municipality’s official website.