Naramata Cenotaph Project

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is seeking community feedback on a proposal to install a new cenotaph in Wharf Park while preserving the existing cenotaph in Manitou Park.

The proposal has been developed in response to concerns regarding the current memorial's location, visibility, and setting. The existing cenotaph is located adjacent to a playground and near public washrooms, and is often obscured by a mature willow tree. Community members have expressed concerns that these factors limit the memorial's visibility and affect the site's ability to provide an appropriate setting for remembrance.

A new cenotaph is proposed for Wharf Park, a location of historical significance to the community. Wharf Park was the departure point where many local service members left Naramata to begin their military service, making it a meaningful and symbolic location for a memorial. The proposed design features an obelisk-style cenotaph situated on a raised concrete platform with decorative bollards and chains.

The existing cenotaph would remain in Manitou Park and be preserved as part of Naramata's history. A commemorative interpretive sign is proposed to recognize its heritage and explain the connection between the original memorial and the proposed new cenotaph.

Public Engagement

Community input will help inform a report to the RDOS Board, which will determine whether the project should proceed in 2027.

Residents, veterans, community organizations, businesses, park users, neighbouring property owners, and other interested members of the public are encouraged to review the project information and share their feedback via an online survey.
To learn more about the project, attend the community open house at the Naramata Friendship Centre on November 24.

How to Participate

Online Survey
Open from November 9 to December 4, 2026

Public Open House
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Attend the open house to learn more about the proposal, review project materials, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to project representatives. The open house will be held at the Naramata Friendship Centre (330 Ritchie Ave) on November 24, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm.

Why Your Feedback Matters

Community feedback will be collected through the survey and open house, then summarized in a Public Engagement Summary Report. The report will identify key themes, levels of support, opportunities, concerns, and recommendations raised during the engagement process. The RDOS Board will consider this information when determining whether to proceed with the proposed Naramata Cenotaph Project.

We encourage all interested community members to learn more about the proposal and share their perspectives.
Your feedback will help shape the future of this important community memorial.

Check back on November 9, 2026, to provide survey feedback; the survey will be located here and will be open until December 4, 2026.