Rush fans just got the news they didn’t know they needed. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have donated $785,000 Canadian, about $557,000 US, to fund a Neil Peart memorial in St. Catharines, Ontario. The memorial will rise at Lakeside Park, the very place that inspired the classic Rush song and where Peart spent time as a kid.
The donation came from VIP ticket proceeds on Rush’s“Fifty Something”reunion tour, plus one dollar from every ticket sold on Geddy Lee’s book tour. That pushed the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force past its $1 million fundraising goal. The design features two large bronze sculptures of Peart connected by a pathway lined with factoids from his legendary career, all located at the pavilion that’s already been renamed in his honor.
If everything goes according to plan, the memorial opens in late 2027. City officials say it will elevate Lakeside Park into a world-class cultural landmark. For Rush fans, it’s a chance to stand in the place that shaped one of rock’s greatest drummers.
Would you make the trip to St. Catharines to see it?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.