Rush’s Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson Push Neil Peart Memorial Fund Past $1 Million Goal

Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson have handed over a $785,000 Canadian check (roughly $557,000 US) to the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force Fundraising Sub-Committee, putting a long-running campaign past its $1 million goal to build a permanent memorial to the late drummer at Lakeside Park in St. Catharines, Ontario. The donation came after the band closed out its Toronto homecoming run with a show on August 13 at Scotiabank Arena.

The money behind the check was drawn from a slice of proceeds tied to VIP packages sold on Rush’s ongoing “Fifty Something” reunion tour. Geddy Lee also chipped in separately, having pledged $1 from every ticket sold during his 2023 book tour supporting his memoir “My Effin’ Life.”

• Petition for a Peart tribute at Lakeside Park launched in early 2020 and drew more than 20,000 signatures
• St. Catharines City Council formed the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force after Peart’s death on January 7, 2020
• Task force publicly kicked off fundraising at Lakeside Park in September 2024
• Sculptor Morgan MacDonald of the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry was chosen for the project in late 2022
• Campaign fundraising is set to close October 15, 2026
• Memorial targeted to open in late 2027

Why Lakeside Park Was Chosen for Neil Peart’s Memorial

Lakeside Park sits along the shore of Port Dalhousie, an area where Peart spent much of his youth. The setting directly inspired the Rush track “Lakeside Park,” which appeared on the band’s 1975 record “Caress of Steel.”

What the Neil Peart Memorial Will Look Like

The design calls for two bronze figures of Peart at larger-than-life scale, one showing him as a young musician and the other reflecting his later years, joined by a walking path lined with interpretive material covering his life and career. City officials expect the finished memorial to open to the public in late 2027.

What Officials and Organizers Are Saying

Eric Lamothe, St. Catharines’ City Manager for Community Programs and Parks, credited Rush’s contribution with closing out the campaign. “After years of dedicated work by the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force and the incredible community support that brought us near the finish line, this remarkable contribution from Rush secures our $1-million fundraising goal,” Lamothe said. He added that the finished piece “elevates the park into a world-class cultural landmark,” calling it something greater than a simple tribute.

Meg Symsyk, who chairs the Neil Peart Commemorative Task Force, said the effort was always about creating something lasting for Peart in the city where he grew up. “Our mission has always been to build a physical tribute that does justice to Neil’s immense legacy and his deep connection to St. Catharines,” Symsyk said, describing “Lakeside Park” as “a love letter back to this place.”

How Fans Can Still Contribute

The fundraising drive remains open through October 15, 2026, giving supporters a final window to donate. Contributors can also purchase a commemorative fan panel, which will carry a personal engraved tribute as a permanent part of the finished memorial, though organizers note the number of available panels is limited.

More Info

• Rush donate $785,000 to secure Neil Peart Memorial in Lakeside Park | Louder / Classic Rock
• Rush Members Helped Push Campaign For Permanent Neil Peart Memorial in Ontario Park Over the Top With Massive Donation | Billboard
• RUSH Members And Fans Raise $1 Million For NEIL PEART Memorial In St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada | Blabbermouth
• RUSH Make Huge Donation to Fund Neil Peart Memorial at Hometown Park | Consequence
• Rush provide $785,000 cash injection for memorial to Neil Peart in Ontario | Far Out Magazine
• Rush Members Helped Push Campaign For Permanent Neil Peart Memorial in Ontario Park Over the Top With Massive Donation | ca.billboard.com
• Rush Members Help Secure $1 Million for Neil Peart Memorial | wror.com
• Rush cuts cheque for St. Catharines memorial to Neil Peart | stcatharinesstandard.ca