Peacekeeper Park memorial may find a new home in Lambton County.
The park, which honours Canadian Peacekeepers and offers programming and an outdoor training centre to both veterans and youth, has operated out of Lake Whittaker Conservation Area in Elgin County for the past 20 years.
But, spokesperson Sarah Duplisea said they were notified last spring the contract would not be renewed.
Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley said he would love to see it in Lambton County.
"I also want to state my disappointment in the Lake Whittaker Conservation Area," said Loosley. "I think those board members should be ashamed in asking you to leave after 20 years on something as sensitive as this, as important as this, without some kind of fair notice, in ten years you'll have to make plans."
Duplisea said the park has many ties to Lambton County, including its founder, the late Ret. Maj. Eugene Smith.
She said he was the son of former Petrolia Mayor Bud Smith and remained active in the community.
Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper said he knew him very well.
"I had the privilege of going down there twice, I believe it was, and there is quite a big connection with Lambton County and especially with Eugene," said Napper. "He's actually my cousin. So, it was really interesting going down there. I was there the day they dedicated the Poland one, and I was there one other day. I know how much work he put into that stuff."
Warwick Mayor Jackie Rombouts liked the idea of finding land for the park.
"I welcome this to our county and I would recommend if this does come into our county, that all of county council go and experience the challenges as a team building exercise," said Rombouts.
Council directed staff to consult with local municipalities, property owners and conservation authorities on possible locations and report back within 90 days.
