Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is committed to honouring those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace, and to keeping the memory of their achievements and sacrifices alive for all Canadians.

During an event on Friday morning at the Callander Cenotaph, The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming revealed the details of two projects funded through Veterans Affairs’ Community War Memorial Fund totaling $40,525, going towards The Municipality of Callander and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 in West Ferris.  

“Our Legion members and our Veterans have done so much for all of us, and it is important that we are there for them,” says Rota.

“The projects being supported today are important commemorative landmarks that will help create a lasting legacy to remember our Canadian heroes and honour the Veterans from this area who bravely served our country.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs says, Honouring those who have given so much to our country is something Canadian communities have been doing for generations. I am pleased that the Veterans Affairs’ Community War Memorial Fund can support the Municipality of Callander in the restoration of the Callander Peace Park Cenotaph and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 in the creation of a new monument at the Nipissing Junction Cenotaph. These solemn spaces are vital in honouring local citizens who sacrificed so much for our freedom

$15,525 will help The Municipality of Callander renovate the Callander Peace Park Cenotaph. Callander

Mayor Rob Noon says, “We are grateful for the financial support to revitalize this space as a place of remembrance and reflection of our veterans and loved ones. We want to thank MP Anthony Rota for his support in this joint project with the Legion. We also thank Marc Picard and the volunteers at Branch 445 for the contributions they have made over the years to our community.”

The project will assist in improving accessibility issues, including repairing handrails, removing a retaining wall, and installing new benches. A new flagpole and enhanced landscaping will also be completed.

Callander Legion President Marc Picard says, “The Callander Legion is honoured to partner with the Municipality of Callander and Veterans Affairs once again for important work to our community Cenotaph.  In addition to the improved functionality and amazing aesthetics, this work will provide a safe and secure venue for our Veterans to celebrate annual events such as National Peacekeeper Day in August and Remembrance Day in November. We can’t thank the Honourable Anthony Rota and the Municipality of Callander enough for their continued support of our Veterans”

The second project is taking place at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 in West Ferris, with the Legion getting $25,000 to erect a new monument at the Nipissing Junction Cenotaph.

Co-Chair of the Cenotaph Project at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 Merideth Park says, “As Chair of the Cenotaph Project, we want to thank MP Anthony Rota and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs for helping us reach our goal to honour our Veterans. We are reminded every day that Peace is always fragile; that war is not something from a history book and that lives are lost trying to maintain freedoms. This project allows us to honour those who gave their lives in search of that freedom.”

The monument will be in a highly visible location and consist of three upright granite tablets placed on a concrete pad, commemorating residents of Nipissing Junction and West Ferris who served their country.

Rota says, “A part of building a strong community is sharing the stories and accomplishments of our neighbours, friends, and family members who have served our country. The funding is but a small part of our recognition for our Veterans. I’m looking forward to seeing these finished projects that will be a great tribute to the Veterans in our region.”