By Erin Knutson

The City of Fernie recently received a proposal from the Elk Valley Hospice to consider the installation of a global phenomenon that is helping mourners find solace inside its walls with the construction of a Wind Phone.

“The Wind Phone was established as a shrine to mindfully connect people to their loved ones who had died in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Otsuchi. Since then, Wind Phones have emerged worldwide, ” said Elk Valley Hospice President Elke Weber in her presentation to Mayor Nic Milligan, staff and council.

According to Weber’s account, speaking to lost loved ones through a phone system not connected to this world could be an opportunity for the grieving to address things unsaid in that relationship.

“These accessible, unconnected phones allow citizens to share thoughts and feelings with the deceased as you would have in life,” she said.

Itaru Sasaki created the unusual phone booth to help those left behind to cope with their grief and find closure.

He built the Wind Phone (pictured) to honour the passing of a cousin who died from cancer.

“Sasaki installed an obsolete rotary phone not connected to wires or any earthly system. Here, Itaru felt a continued connection to his cousin and found comfort and healing amidst his grief. Itaru gave his phone booth a name, Kaze No Denwa (風の電話), translated as The Telephone of the Wind.”

Sasaki’s unique telecommunications system became the impetus for healing on a much larger scale as he donated his phone booth to Japan’s 2011 Tsunami survivors. He has since expanded on a universal scale, helping to create healing spaces for the bereaved.

“We believe a Wind Phone provides a tremendous opportunity to partner with elected officials to support members of our community,” said Weber.

Despite concerns over staff time, the city received the proposal favourably.

“Applications do strain the capacity of other permits; however, initiatives are essential and must be prioritized. I don’t have numbers, but we would support the applicant and group with pre-application meetings,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Boronowski.

The city considered possible locations and community partnerships to further the initiative through discussion.

“It sounds like it could be a simple installation; connecting them to other community gardens comes to mind regarding locations with a bench that could work together, my initial thoughts,” said Mayor Milligan.

The proposal gained traction with other suggestions from staff and councillors. Councillor Troy Nixon mentioned the trail system as a possible home for these installations.

“Let’s have a conversation to see if there is a joint effort to advance this without too much complication or staff time – let’s leave it at the conversation level and see if we can advance it without too much trouble,” said Milligan.

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