Sharp-eyed residents have noticed a few benches have gone missing around Waterdown - but don’t worry, says the local BIA. They will be back, and better than ever.
According to Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area executive director Susan Pennie, two metal benches were removed Friday evening from Hamilton Street North near John Street West, and another on Dundas Street across from Flamboro Street has been taken out. But it’s only temporary.
The benches, says Pennie, are being prepared for the next phase of the Chairing is Caring program, which auctioned off 18 hand-painted Muskoka chairs to benefit local charities this summer. Two of the benches will be painted by local artists and one will be painted solid yellow to signify it is a friendship bench. A third seat, a double-Muskoka chair, will be permanently installed in front of the Waterdown Legion.
“They will be new, permanent installations of the legacy of the Chairing is Caring program,” said Pennie. “We're working with local artists now, and they're being resurfaced, and then they'll be painted in place.”
Pennie is excited for the big reveal, which she expects will take place at a community event in mid-October.
“We know our benches are used often - be patient - they’ll be back soon and will be an even more interesting place to sit and reflect when they are re-imagined with new art,” the BIA noted on their social media pages.
The BIA also plans to announce the final fundraising tally for the Chairing is Caring program at that time, Pennie added.
