Completed Initiatives of Note

There are four significant projects contemplated by the 2010 plan that have been completed that merit further description:

• Phragmites Eradication
• Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden
• Walking is Medicine Tour
• Electrical Infrastructure Renewal and Update – Design and Engineering

Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden

The 2010 Kelso Beach Master Plan recognized the history of the park as the site of the First Nations of Nawash settlement. The Anishinaabe territory extended from Collingwood to Goderich. In winter, people moved in small groups to hunting areas but in the spring, they returned to Nawash. Kelso Beach Park is located at the Nawash settlement area.

Community input during the 2010 Master Plan process highlighted opportunities to celebrate the early history of the park, including the Piyak Ootihi or One Heart Memorial Garden centred on alignment of the existing pedestrian bridge.

In May 2013, Council approved the garden and design to be built in stages. On October 2, 2021, a sculpture of Grandmother Sturgeon was placed at the Garden, completing the last major design element of the garden. This sculpture was installed and dedicated in a ceremony on October 2, 2021.

The One Heart Memorial Garden projects evolved to be known as the Gitche Namewikwedong Reconciliation Garden.

Pottawatomi Healing Trail

The One Heart Garden is reflected as a priority in the park following Phragmites control, site servicing improvements and the splash pad.

The Garden is intended to help all cultures within our community move forward with shared understanding and respect, humility, and love in our hearts; it helps all to walk softly and be ever mindful. The art pieces share Indigenous culture and healing practices.

Since 2010, the Potawatomi Healing Trail evolved to become known as a portion of the Walking is Medicine self guided walking tour through Brooke.