Tree planted in Dunedin, in memory of Christine MacLean

A memorial tree was planted at Dunedin Park last week to honour the life of former community member Christine MacLean.
Even though MacLean and her family had moved away from the community, first to Collingwood and then to Nova Scotia in 2018, local friends wanted to do something to pay tribute to a neighbour who gave her heart and soul to many individuals and families in the area, and was actively involved in the community.
MacLean worked as a psychotherapist in the area for almost 20 years. She operated Clearview Psychotherapy in Creemore from 2001 to 2006, and then worked in Collingwood from 2006 to 2018. MacLean’s work includes time with Georgian Bay Family Health Team, My Friend’s House, as Clinical Supervisor at Athena’s Sexual Assault Centre in Barrie, and most recently, in the sexual assault field at the Avalon Centre in Halifax.
The community rallied support for MacLean when she was diagnosed with an untreatable form of cancer and embarked on a fundraising campaign to pay for alternative treatments.
Unfortunately the treatment was unsuccessful and MacLean and her family made the difficult decision to opt for a medically-assisted death on June 11.
MacLean’s family – Kevin and daughters Maya and Samara – decided they would like a tree planted as a memorial to honour her life and contribution, but also to have a place to remember her.
With Kevin’s involvement, Sue Miller orchestrated the procurement of a tree and obtained permits along with assistance from Dunedin community members Claire de Ruiter, and Judy and Bud Halliday.
The tree was planted on Oct. 15. Those in attendance have placed heart shaped rocks at its base, as symbols of MacLean’s journey. People can visit the tree to remember Christine and her contribution to community mental health. They are welcome to bring their own heart rock or memento and place it at the base of the tree, or take a heart rock if they need one for themselves.