Statue to honour Mi'kmaq runner

The town of Stratford, P.E.I. is building a statue and fountain on its waterfront to recognize the diversity of its heritage, and to honour in particular Mi'kmaq runner Michael Thomas.

Thomas is recognized as one of the best long-distance runners P.E.I. has ever produced. He won a prestigious 10-mile race in Halifax against runners from across the continent three years in a row, from 1909-1911.

The fountain will honour people of all different backgrounds who have made Stratford home. The town received a $95,000 grant from P.E.I.'s 2014 committee to build the monument.

"One of the things that we want to do in Stratford is to honour and respect our heritage," said Stratford Mayor David Dunphy.

"Through our heritage sub-committee they came up with the idea of a diversity fountain that would honour our diverse ethnic make up."

Dunphy said the fountain and statue will be on the waterfront by next year.

For mobile device users:Should P.E.I. have more public memorials?