Giroux Pierre

Article by Greg Perenboom
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November 22, 2014

Painter Pierre Giroux has a lot of inspiration to draw from. For example, various historical places along the waterfront bike trail, such as the old Cornwall Canal or the old railway swing bridge.

"I'm going to be incorporating some original ideas within the scenes, which, in turn, will
be quite unique from what other cities do (for historical plaques),'' Giroux said.
Giroux, a Cornwall native, said he was inspired by plaque work in other communities. "I've always been interested in history;'' he said. With the existing waterfront trail plaques deteriorating or vandalized, Giroux said he initiated a project to replace the plaque
scenes.

During the past year, he started researching the plaque scenes by utilizing the resources of the Cornwall Community Museum. Armed with some preliminary creations, he made a presentation to the city's waterfront development committee. "He's made some wonderful works to put on historical plaques,'' said committee chair Lee Cassidy.
A committee member, Michel Dubuc, also proposed that Le Village BIA has already sponsored four of the plaques. Cassidy said the committee has worked out a $75,000 budget for the plaque replacements, the creation of 10 rest stops and the addition of picnic tables.

The plaques will also incorporate photographs and text. Cassidy and Giroux both said
there is new material for plaques that are considered "vandalism proof''.The budget would be submitted to the next Cornwall council for further discussion and possible approval.

Giroux's presentation also included possible locations, but Cassidy added the exact locations will be determined after a site visit. The waterfront committee also has support from the Downtown BIA, as well as Le Village, and the plaque project is being rolled in
with the overall Historic Waterfront Walking Tour.