Rush and their fans have raised $1 million for a Neil Peart memorial at Lakeside Park in St. Catharines, ON. The milestone was reached after Rush donated $785,000 to the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force Fundraising Sub-Committee and City staff following recent shows in Toronto, ON. The funds were raised from the group’s VIP experiences and packages and Geddy Lee’s “My Effin’ Life” book tour.
Eric Lamothe, the City Manager of Community Programs and Parks, said the following:
“After years of dedicated work by the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force and the incredible community support that brought us near the finish line, this remarkable contribution from Rush secures our $1-million fundraising goal. This public art memorial will be far more than a tribute to Neil Peart; it elevates the park into a world-class cultural landmark. We are thrilled to see a space that is already a beloved destination for residents and tourists become a global beacon for enthusiastic music fans to gather, reflect, and celebrate an icon for generations to come.”
Meg Symsyk, the Chair of the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force, also added:
“Our mission has always been to build a physical tribute that does justice to Neil’s immense legacy and his deep connection to St. Catharines. Neil was an extraordinary lyricist and Canadian poet, and ‘Lakeside Park’ was, in many ways, a love letter back to this place. There is something incredibly powerful about standing here and experiencing the place behind those lyrics. We already see Rush fans from around the world making the journey to Lakeside Park and visiting the pavilion. This memorial will deepen that connection even further, creating a lasting destination for fans, residents and visitors to celebrate Neil and the music and words that continue to mean so much to so many.”
The permanent memorial is being created by Morgan MacDonald of the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry. It is expected to be finished in late 2027.
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