A monument erected over a century ago by patients and friends of Dr. Solomon Secord is at the centre of a difficult conversation in Kincardine.
A public survey asks people their views on the future of the historic monument that refers to Secord's service to the Southern Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke said the reference to a war that centered on slavery, which dehumanized Black people, is the issue.
"On reflection, many of us understand the background behind the American Civil War, explained Clarke. "And when we have the opportunity, perhaps to look at things in a different conceptual way. We see that things that were acceptable historically are viewed very differently today."
The monument was removed from its home by the Bruce County Library on Queen Street last spring for the downtown reconstruction project.
"Much of the discussion has come because the Downtown Dig, which was effectively where there was a great amount of construction work going on the main street of Kincardine, took place so the monument was removed for that construction," Clarke pointed out. "And as a result of that, the opportunity was out there we would have a further discussion within the municipality as to how we now deal with that monument."
Clarke revealed that there is another monument to Secord which stands in the Kincardine Cemetery.
"The one in the cemetery makes no reference to Doctor Secord with regards to the Civil War, and that isn't a matter that's under discussion in relation to what is currently the topic," Clarke added. "It really has to do, from my perspective, with the inscription and whether or not things need to be contextualized or how the community views it."
Clarke said the survey will start the discussion, and she hopes the process also smooths the way for future difficult conversations.
"And I think that sets the tone for every other challenging discussion that we have to have in this community. That if we can see we can do it on this, which has the potential of being a divisive issue but doesn't have to be, we'll able to do it on all the other issues," She explained. "We have issues to resolve as a community. Let's come together and find a resolution to these issues. Let's work efficiently and effectively. That's what we're here to do."
Clarke pointed out that it's not a case of cancelling history.
"And I think the important thing is that we recognize, we can never change history," she stressed. "We can certainly provide further information contextualize things, but irrespective of what comes of it. my view is being able to openly discuss shared views and opinions is always a good thing."
The Municipality of Kincardine Council has opened the first phase of public engagement with a public survey, available online at www.kincardine.ca/Secord-Survey with paper copies available at the Municipal Administration Centre.
Future engagement activities include interviews and community conversations. The receiving of input from these elements will inform the identification and development of future phases.
“It is a discussion that fundamentally encompasses equity and diversity and, most significantly, that of inclusion within our Municipality,” concluded Clarke.