Jan 20, 2025

Call for Poetry: Kay Grouhel interpretive panel

Ladysmith, BC — The Town of Ladysmith is seeking a poem written by a resident of Ladysmith and surrounding area or Stz’uminus First Nation that recognizes former Mayor Kathleen 'Kay' Grouhel and her contributions to the community.

The complete poem will be displayed on a historical interpretive panel at Transfer Beach 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 pm on Monday, March 31.

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.

“Mayor Grouhel was a trailblazer whose visionary leadership not only lead to the creation of Transfer Beach, Ladysmith’s most cherished landmark, but also resulted in the redesign of sidewalks throughout downtown, making them safer for residents and visitors alike,” says Nicholas Pescod, the Town’s Communications & Engagement Specialist. “The Town is thrilled to honour Concrete Kay’s legacy with a historical interpretive panel and a poem that will be viewed by residents and tourists alike for years to come.”

For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

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Media Contact
Nicholas Pescod
Communications & Engagement Specialist
npescod@ladysmith.ca
250-268-0606