Jul 15, 2024

Public Art – Call for Poetry: Kay Grouhel interpretive panel

July 15, 2024 – The Town of Ladysmith is installing a historical interpretive panel at Transfer Beach that includes a short biography of former Mayor Kathleen 'Kay' Grouhel and her contributions to the community.

As part of this initiative, the Town is seeking a poem written by a resident of Ladysmith and surrounding area or Stz’uminus First Nation that recognizes Grouhel’s role in shaping many of Ladysmith’s defining amenities, especially Transfer Beach.

The complete poem will be displayed on the panel while the poem's title or a standalone line of the poem will be stamped onto two concrete planters that will be placed nearby. The selected poet will also receive a $500 honorarium.

Interested participants must submit a completed entry form that includes their poem to bid@ladysmith.ca before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Entry Form: Public Art - Call For Poetry Package.

Kathleen ‘Kay’ Grouhel Biography

Kathleen ‘Kay’ Grouhel became Ladysmith’s first female mayor after she was elected in 1964 following a brief stint as an alderman. She also became the first female president of the Union of BC Municipalities in 1974.

 During her distinguished 12-year tenure as mayor, Grouhel played an integral role in the vision of Transfer Beach by successfully negotiating land purchase agreements with Canadian Collieries and Canadian Pacific, which led to the acquisition and eventual creation of Transfer Beach Park. However, it was her efforts to redesign the downtown sidewalks — improving appearance and increasing pedestrian safety — that cemented her legacy and earned her the nickname ‘Concrete Kay.’

Other notable accomplishments include:

  • Passing zoning and sewage improvement bylaws that stopped raw sewage outflow into waters around Transfer Beach.
  • The building of the fire hall and public works buildings.
  • Acquiring the Town’s first new fire truck in years.
  • The planting of Dogwood trees along the highway (since removed).

Grouhel served as Ladysmith’s mayor until 1976. She passed away in 2010 at Victoria General Hospital following complications from a stroke.

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