The announcement was made in Ottawa today by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, where she was joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Gord Scharf, Commanding Officer of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own); Barbara Farber, the Regiment’s Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel; and Jim Sourges, Chair of the Bells Corners Business Improvement Area.
“Throughout our proud history, Canadians have shown exceptional bravery, resourcefulness, and dedication in defence of our country, and the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own) have answered the call since the very beginning,” said Minister MacLeod. “That is why we are proud to support the development of a Cameron Highlanders commemorative plaza. Since the birth of our country, this regiment has bravely served through numerous times of war and conflict. With the creation of this memorial plaza, we are ensuring that the courage and valour of these great Canadians – especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice – will never be forgotten.”
The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own) is a reserve infantry unit within the Canadian Armed Forces, located within the 4th Canadian Division. As part of 33 Canadian Brigade Group, the regiment trains soldiers in the light infantry role for augmentation to the regular force and for use in emergencies at home. The regiment also provides Ceremonial Guards of Honour for visiting dignitaries and for national ceremonies and events. Another very active part of the regimental family is the Cameron Highlanders Pipe and Drums, who are regularly tasked in national ceremonial roles, competitions and events in the Ottawa Valley. The Cameron Highlanders commemorative plaza will be located at the corner of Robertson Road and Northside Road in Nepean.
“The regiment has a long and distinguished association with Ottawa and surrounding communities that has provided its citizen soldiers to serve in both peace and war. It can trace its roots to Bells Corners with the raising of the Bells Corners Infantry Company in December 1862,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Scharf. “Thousands of Ottawans have passed through its ranks during its history, participating in all major conflicts including the South African War, the First World War, the Second World War, Korea, various UN and NATO missions throughout the world, and Afghanistan. The regiment has been called upon to provide soldiers to assist the community in times of need, including the ice storm of 1998 and more recently the Ottawa floods of 2017 and 2019 as well as those who volunteered to help deal with the desperate situation in long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The generous support provided to establish this plaza is greatly appreciated as it will be a fitting monument to all who have served.”
Throughout Remembrance Week, Ontario honours the courage, valour and sacrifice of the heroes who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war and conflict. Find your moment – honour those who have served and show thanks for their sacrifice. Please visit Ontario.ca/RemembranceDay to learn more, and virtually join the Queen’s Park Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11 at 10:45 a.m.