Peace Garden Officially Opens at St Cuthbert’s Church and Community Centre 

On June 22, St Cuthbert’s Church and Community Centre blossomed into a vibrant new space as it officially opened its long-anticipated Peace Garden. With the sun shining brightly, Venerable Jeff Ward welcomed all attendees to this special occasion, highlighting the garden’s role not only as a sanctuary of peace but also as a hub for connection, creativity, and community.  

The event was marked by a palpable sense of the Holy Spirit working in the garden and among those in attendance, which included devoted members of the St Cuthbert’s community and special guests. Among them was Elizabeth Chalmers, representing Hon. Anita Anand, who was abroad attending to government matters. In her speech, Elizabeth conveyed the heartfelt congratulations of MP Anita Anand, emphasizing St Cuthbert’s commitment to being a pillar of the Oakville community for more than 60 years. This spirit of inclusivity and warm welcome was a recurrent theme throughout the gathering, reflecting the church’s dedication to enriching the lives of its members and the wider community. 

Councillor Janet Haslett-Theall further praised St Cuthbert’s for embracing community initiatives. She noted not only the installation of a permeable walkway that enhances environmental sustainability, but also the church’s efforts to extend branches of hope to all who seek connection.  

The Peace Garden is designed as a place to nurture relationships and inspire creativity. Visitors can expect to find contemplative corners, spaces for dialogue, and perhaps even unexpected artistic expressions emerging from this tranquil haven.
Here are some key features of the new Peace Garden:

Permeable Walkway: Crafted to facilitate both drainage and accessibility, the walkway encourages visitors to connect with the earth beneath them while promoting environmental sustainability. 

Diverse Plant Life: The native gardens include a variety of plants that not only beautify the space but also attract local fauna, enhancing biodiversity in the area. 

Community Gathering Spaces: With benches and shaded areas, the garden invites visitors to sit, talk, and forge new relationships. 

Future Programs: Plans are underway to offer programs and workshops in the Peace Garden, ensuring that it will be a dynamic space open to everyone in the community. 

The Peace Garden wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support from various sources. Significant contributions came from the Diocese of Niagara, TD Friends of the Environment, and GiveOakville, alongside numerous donations from parishioners and community members. Their kindness not only financed the project but also underscored the strength of community bonds. 

This collaborative effort truly exemplifies how a community can come together to create something beautiful and meaningful. The Peace Garden stands as a testament to the power of shared goals and the collective spirit of the St Cuthbert’s community. 

To mark the opening, a festive BBQ was held, inviting everyone to commemorate this landmark achievement in a jubilant atmosphere. Friends and families gathered to share laughter, stories, and delicious food, reinforcing the very essence of community that the Peace Garden aims to cultivate. 

As the Peace Garden officially opens its space, it symbolizes more than just an expansion of green space; it embodies the hope that gardens inspire connection, creativity, and peace within the community. St Cuthbert’s Church and Community Centre has firmly rooted its place in Oakville over the last 60 years, demonstrating that community thrives through inclusivity and compassion.  

As we look towards the future, let’s hold onto the spirit of togetherness that the Peace Garden promotes. May it grow to be a beacon of hope, inviting all to explore, connect, and cultivate lasting friendships in the heart of Oakville.