![Children's Memorial Walkway]()
Children’s Memorial Walkway
In early 2021, City Council directed staff to find an appropriate way to memorialize children from Niagara Falls who have passed away. The idea was initiated by the loss of two amazing young people – Julianne Miszk and Alex Luey who inspired, encouraged and touched many people's lives. Both had unbelievably optimistic and positive outlooks on life for young adults who had gone through so much.
To honour Julianne and Alex's legacies and those of all children whose lives have ended, the City of Niagara Falls is creating The Children's Memorial Walkway. Located in the southeast area of Firemen's Park on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, it will be a special place for families to seek solace and comfort over and above where their child has been laid to rest.
By having a more public space, we hope to create a lasting memorial, tribute, and a place to help more people share their stories and understand the loss of other families.
The conceptual sketch provides for a Children's Memorial Walkway that integrates with the existing pollinator gardens and establishes an accessible walkway with expanded pollinator gardens and a stone paver plaza space. These whimsical, tranquil spaces allow visitors to cherish their precious memories and grieve in peace while feeling at one with nature.
Once complete, we will invite you to stroll along the walkway at your leisure seeing its beauty, feeling the tranquillity and reflecting on your journey, or remembering your loved one.
"Just when the Caterpillar thought Her world was over, she became a Butterfly."
Progress Update
Construction at the Children's Memorial walkway is approximately 40% complete. When spring weather and site conditions become favourable, construction will resume to completion. This spring work will include the creation of plant beds, irrigation systems, butterfly/pollinator plantings and signage.
Help Build the Walkway
Although City funding was set aside for the project, the actual costs have exceeded the estimated cost. Additional funds are needed to complete the project to the scale and grandeur initially proposed.
We are reaching out to the community to help us complete the vision for this special place.
Individual and corporate donations are graciously accepted and can be made here: https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/recreation/online-donations.aspx .
Individuals wishing to donate to the Children's Memorial Walkway project can also do so by cheques payable to the "City of Niagara Falls" with "Children's Memorial Walkway" in the memo line. Cheques can be mailed or delivered in person to:
Municipal Works Engineering
Niagara Falls City Hall, 2nd floor
4310 Queen Street,
Niagara Falls, ON. L2E 6X5
For a tax receipt to be issued, the donor must provide a full name, mailing address, postal code, and phone number. Tax receipts will be mailed out by the City of Niagara Falls.
Memorial Program
A memorial program will become available in late Spring 2023 for the Children's Memorial Walkway. This will allow Niagara Falls residents to purchase a memorial feature within the project. Opportunities for child recognition could include (but are not limited to) memorial trees, memorial benches, and memorial bricks. Details on these features are to come soon.
