Fundraising Goal set at $1 Million
Sept. 12, 2024 — Following today’s official launch event at Lakeside Park, the Neil
Peart Commemorative Task Force is proud to announce the beginning of a fundraising
campaign to honour legendary drummer Neil Peart with a public work of art.
The campaign, which aims to raise $1 million, will fund the installation of a memorial
alongside the Neil Peart Pavilion at Lakeside Park – a location forever tied to Peart
through his lyrics to the hit RUSH song of the same name.
Mayor Mat Siscoe reflected on Peart’s deep connection with the City, "Neil Peart’s
impact on music is immeasurable, but it’s his connection to St. Catharines that makes
this memorial so meaningful. We are honoured to celebrate his legacy right here in the
city he called home during his formative years. This project will not only pay tribute to
one of the greatest drummers of all time but will also bring people from around the world
to Lakeside Park to experience the place that inspired so much of his work."
Fans and community members gathered at Lakeside Park today to kick off the
campaign, with speeches highlighting Neil’s deep connection to St. Catharines. As a
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the Order of Canada, Neil Peart is
hailed as one of the greatest drummers of all time. Throughout his career, he fondly
reflected on his summers in Port Dalhousie, which inspired the hit song, “Lakeside
Park”.
"It’s been an incredible journey working with fans, the City, and our talented artist
Morgan MacDonald to bring this project to life,” said David DeRocco, Chair of the Neil
Peart Commemorative Task Force. “Neil Peart's music touched millions, and his roots in
St. Catharines were always an essential part of his story. This project is a true
testament to the enduring bond between Neil, RUSH fans, and St. Catharines."
The Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force, established by St. Catharines City Council
in 2020, has worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Morgan MacDonald of The
Newfoundland Bronze Foundry (Morgan Sculpture Inc.) was selected to design and
create the memorial. A video rendering of the design is available for viewing at
stcatharines.ca/PeartDesign.
Donations and sponsorships are critical to make this memorial a reality. Sponsorship
opportunities include the Steel Level at $5,000 and the Wood Level at $500, with full
details available at stcatharines.ca/NeilPeartSponsorship. Fans can also donate any
amount at stcatharines.ca/NeilPeart. Tax receipts will be issued automatically for
donations of $20 or more.
As part of ongoing support, RushBackstage has donated funds along with Geddy Lee,
Peart’s RUSH bandmate, who has donated $1 from every ticket sold during his My Effin'
Life book tour last fall to support the memorial.
The Neil Peart Memorial will be an enduring tribute to a musical icon, lyricist, and
author, and will undoubtedly attract RUSH fans from around the world to visit Lakeside
Park and celebrate Peart’s legacy in the years to come.