Connie Tabbert
Editor
WESTMEATH — The Westmeath Lookout is now complete, except for some signage and landscaping.
A re-dedication service will be held, once the family of the former reeve of Westmeath Township is contacted.
Why?
Because the Westmeath Lookout was created as a memorial to J. C. Wright, who died before he saw a dream come true. The Westmeath Lookout is located on Lookout Road, between LaPasse Road and Westmeath Road.
Beulah Wright, who was married to J. C.’s son Basil Wright (also deceased),said she remembers why the Lookout was named in his honour.
“When he was reeve, he commented that it would be nice to recognize the highest point of land in this area,” she said Wednesday afternoon.
So, after J. C. died, his wife Hilda purchased an acre of land from the late Harry McBride and the Lookout was erected, she recalled. He was 57 years old when he died following emergency surgery for intestinal problems, she noted.
“It was a fitting memorial to him,” Ms. Wright said. “He was an asset to his community.”
The Lookout was torn down last year due to its deteriorating state. It was unsafe due to rotten wood.
Ms. Wright said she spoke to a few councillors about its deteriorating state.
“I was told it was on the to-do list,” she said.
It had been vandalized over the years.
She recalled shortly after it was finished, the picnic table that had been placed there for people to use had been removed, as had a plaque on the wall of the Lookout noting it was a memorial to J. C. Wright. At one time there was also a visitor’s log people could sign, but that was removed too, she said.
“Basil’s mom was upset with the vandalism,” she said. “She didn’t expect that to happen. She found it very disturbing.”
Prior to the demolition of the Lookout, measurements were taken, as well as photos, so it could be reconstructed exactly as it had been.
However, there were some changes to the new Lookout, with permission from the family.
J.C.’s son John, who lives in Deep River, said, “I like it. They did exactly what I suggested three years ago. They took my advice and got rid of the cave underneath. Teenagers used to rip off the skirting and party underneath.”
There is a cement floor in place of a wooden floor as well. Ms. Wright said the wooden floor was deteriorating and it was covered in graffiti.
As for the benches placed there for people to rest upon, there is already graffiti on them.
“I just wish people would think before they deface a memorial, a tourist attraction,” Ms. Wright said. “Why is there such a need to leave their mark in such a public place?”
During Wednesday’s Whitewater Region Township’s property and development committee, Councillor Joey Trimm advised the members that the Lookout had been rebuilt and a couple of benches were added. The floor was sloped slightly from the centre so no water would pool.
He noted all the work was done locally. Keith McLaren’s crew constructed the structure, while Robert Regier built the base; Louis Martin did the welding and Norm Leblanc of NJL Services in Beachburg is in the process of completing the landscaping.
Chief building official Doug Schultz said directional signs need to be erected. There are six signs which tell visitors in which direction they are looking, which include Westmeath, Beachburg, Pembroke, and LaPasse.
It was also suggested that the large Westmeath Lookout sign should be set at an angle to the road so people could see they are coming to it. The sign is currently parallel to the road, so unless someone driving by happens to be looking in the direction of the Lookout as they drive by, it can be easily missed.
Coun. Trimm suggested improvements could be done to the sign, roadway and parking lot in the next year.
“We’re happy with what’s happened there this year,” he said.
Mr. Schultz also noted the project was $600 over budget, but that was due to how steep and how windy the area is where the Lookout is, the contractor had to build his own scaffolding for the safety of his work crew.
As for when the re-dedication service will be, Councillor Cathy Regier suggested, and it was agreed, that Ms. Wright be contacted to see what works best for the Wright family.
John said for anyone who wants to read the original story about the Lookout, google Westmeath Lookout.
