The Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force established a subcommittee to champion a fundraising campaign. Donations will go towards commissioning a public work of art in Neil's honour, and can be made online.
See a render of the memorial design:
Background
On January 7, 2020, legendary rock drummer Neil Peart passed away. Raised in St. Catharines Peart would go on to spend decades as the drummer and primary lyricist with the Canadian band Rush. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the Order of Canada, Peart is widely regarded as one of the best percussionists to ever grace the stage. He didn't forget his hometown, memorializing the summers of his youth spent in Port Dalhousie, with the song "Lakeside Park."
In 2020, St. Catharines City Council, with the support of the community, voted to name the newly rebuilt pavilion at Lakeside Park after Neil Peart. The pavilion at Lakeside Park is now known as the Neil Peart Pavilion, honouring the late musician and marking his contributions.
Council also established the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force with the objective to commission a public work of art that will commemorate Neil Peart’s life in music.
Following a competitive process, selection of an artist was made in November 2022, with the task force selecting Morgan MacDonald of The Newfoundland Bronze Foundry (Morgan Sculpture Inc.) to create the memorial.
The concept from the creative team includes two larger-than-life-sized bronze sculptures of Neil Peart. The sculptures will be connected by a pathway offering experiential and interpretive features providing insight into Peart’s personal and professional legacies, including his time with the band.