City Council Approves Use of Raised Funds for New John Taylor Park

Brockville – At last Tuesday’s council meeting, they approved the $38,000 that was raised by the Brock Trail Committee to be spent on decorative fencing, a plaque and a commemorative statue at the site designated at St. Paul Street.

John Taylor was a community advocate and local businessperson who was dedicated to many causes, including the city’s Brock Trail.

Thanks in part to the commitment of John and the other members of the Brock Trail Committee, the trail was revitalized and expanded in recent years.

Following John’s passing, the Brock Trail Committee requested Council’s consideration of establishing a park along the trail in memory of John.

In an August 2024 report by staff, it detailed the contributions of John Taylor to Brockville and specifically as long-time chair of the Brock Trail Committee. The report included the following motion authorizing the dedication of park space as John Taylor Park and approving a fundraising effort undertaken by the volunteer Brock Trail Committee.

The Brock Trail Committee has developed a concept layout of the future John Taylor Park and fundraised approximately $38,000 to date towards enhancement of the park.

The Brock Trail Committee has developed the following conceptual layout of the future John Taylor Park located along the Brock Trail at St. Paul St., adjacent to the mill sluiceway.

A dedicated plaque or monument to John Taylor, Several corten steel figures depicting family, Clearing of the brush and tree overgrowth to show the sluiceway, Installation of new decorative iron fencing and New benches and seating area.