The decision has finally been made to give “Pieces of Dryden” mosaic a lifelong home. It was decided by a vote of 4 to 1, that Johnston Park would be the location to construct the mosaic upon completion, following the discovery of the city not owning the space the mosaic was originally slotted for.

At the regular meeting of council on June 20, the matter was brought forward by acting City Manager, Linda McNaughton, who requested a decision be made by Mayor and council after being notified that the mosaic is near completion.

Councillor Ken Moss said after reading letters from community members in support of Johnston Park, and reading some of the background on the project, he supports the location of Johnston Park.

Councillor Mary Trist chose to side with the creators of the mosaic, honouring their wishes for Johnston Park.

“Unfortunately, this thing has become a political football, and there are personalities and agendas all over the place and it’s really sad,” said Councillor Mel Fisher.

Fisher decided to vote in favour of Johnston’s Park due to the size of the structure fitting at very few locations as well as out of respect to those involved in creating the mosaic.

Councillor Brian Collins was the only vote of the evening against the idea of Johnston Park.

“I am not in favour of Johnston’s Park. Nobody goes to Johnston’s Park. This was not to be built for tourists. This was to be built as a reflection of the Dryden community, for Drydenites, it was paid for by Drydenites for the most part, created by Drydenites,” said Collins.

“It’s for the locals and in my way of thinking, the locals don’t go to Johnston’s Park. They really don’t.”

By Ally Dunham