What’s more satisfying than watching things grow? Four years ago the city planted the seeds of a tribute for one of St. Albert’s most recognized citizens, Lois Hole. Those plans finally sprouted last week, in a snowy and chilly celebration at St. Albert Place.
It’s perhaps fitting that Mother Nature had the final say for an event designed to honour Hole — a woman who made her mark for helping things grow, be it vegetables or people. But the chill in the air could not dampen the warm memories of those who attended the ceremony to honour the late Lt.-Gov.
“It’s true that when you have the snowfall, Mom always wished for it after planting the field vegetables because it would always [lead to the] best yield, the best crops. This is good,” remarked Jim Hole from the warm confines of St. Albert Place.
Created by renowned artist Barbara Paterson, the 300-kilogram bronze sculpture is a larger than life tribute to a woman who left an indelible mark on this community. The sculpture depicts the late Hole Greenhouses co-founder smiling while seated next to a child, who in turn is embracing a book.
The sculpture captures the spirit of Hole, who dedicated a good part of her life to both children and learning as a long-time school trustee in St. Albert. The roots of that commitment to education blossomed later in life as chancellor of the University of Alberta, where she infamously hugged each and every student on convocation day.
When the city initiated the tribute to Hole it was done so on the understanding the sculpture would eventually be situated at the gateway to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park. While that plan now appears a few years off, the sculpture could not have a more fitting temporary home than the front plaza of St. Albert Place — just a few steps away from the public library.
Architect Douglas Cardinal’s sweeping lines not only make for an impressive backdrop, but the sculpture will be visited by hundreds of St. Albert residents every week, including school children, introducing Hole’s legacy to a whole new generation.
The Hole statue now joins the ranks of St. Albert’s most famous citizen, Father Albert Lacombe, who is featured in a statue on Seven Hills overlooking the downtown. Yet outside of those two tributes and street signs named after former mayors, there are relatively few visual reminders of the important people who have helped shaped St. Albert.
That will fortunately change starting this year when the city breaks ground on a new monument honouring outstanding citizens. The community recognition wall of fame will debut on the corner of Perron Street and Sir Winston Churchill Avenue in time for St. Albert’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2011. The monument will honour citizens who are community builders in arts and culture, citizenship, business, professional achievement and sports.
While some would take issue with the cost — a relatively modest $160,000 — such public recognition not only bestows gratitude toward those who’ve sacrificed a great deal for St. Albert, it also fosters a sense of community. The very seeds of belonging we plant today will reap rewards in years to come. I think Lois would approve.
Bryan Alary spent the last three years covering civic affairs. He’s now an editor at the Gazette.
