A fitting tribute to a Canadian rock legend is one step closer to becoming reality.
RUSH’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have presented a remarkable $785,000 contribution toward the Neil Peart Memorial at Lakeside Park in St. Catharines, officially securing the project’s $1-million fundraising goal.
The donation comes from proceeds of the band’s VIP experiences and packages during their “Fifty Something” tour, making RUSH fans an important part of this lasting tribute to the legendary drummer and lyricist.
The memorial will feature two larger-than-life bronze sculptures of Peart, honouring his extraordinary musical legacy and his deep connection to St. Catharines, the city that inspired RUSH’s classic song “Lakeside Park.”
The idea for the Neil Peart Memorial at Lakeside Park began taking shape more than seven years ago, when Niagara residents David DeRocco and Meg Symysk set out to honour the legendary RUSH drummer in his hometown of St. Catharines.
DeRocco, who first proposed the memorial, recalls how the initiative began and the years of fundraising that followed.
“I originally approached Meg, whom I had collaborated with during my time in radio, with the idea of honouring Neil and RUSH at Lakeside Park as part of the band’s 40th anniversary. I put together a proposal and approached the City (of St. Catharines). To his credit, (St. Catharines) Mayor (Walter) Sendzik approved the idea.
“I never imagined it would take this long, given the passion RUSH fans have for the band. But raising $1 million is easier said than done, especially when we didn’t have a sustained marketing campaign to promote the initiative.
“I was actually in Toronto a month ago with the Fundraising Sub-Committee to accept the cheque from Geddy and Alex. We were simply waiting for the right time to make it official, and now it is!”
The memorial is tentatively expected to open in late 2027.
Want to be part of Neil’s legacy? Fans have until October 15, 2026, to contribute to the memorial, including the opportunity to purchase a commemorative fan panel featuring a permanent engraved personal tribute. Spaces are limited!
Learn more and secure your fan panel: https://cityofstcatharines.akaraisin.com/ui/neilpeartsponsorship
A lasting tribute to The Professor, made possible by the band, the fans, and the community that helped shape his incredible journey.
Peart died Jan. 7, 2020, at age 67 in California from brain cancer.
