A new monument to the fallen takes shape in London
London City Council will be asked to approve the creation of a new memorial for Canada’s fallen next week.
The Byron Legion Monument will be built in the heart of Springbank Park.
Former London Mayor Ed Holder is among those backing the project.
“What better place than Springbank Park?” he told CTV News London during an interview at the proposed site.
The monument will be placed in a roundabout next to a prominent walking trail
Joining Holder Thursday was Reverend Frank Mantz. Since 2007, he’s been trying to create a new location for Byron’s annual Remembrance Day service.
At present, it takes place in front of the Bryon Royal Canadian Legion Branch on Commissioners Road.
Mantz says moving to a new location in Springbank Park will offer improved safety and new ways to remember.
“That is our hope, that people get more into Remembrance Day. The more they put into the day, the more they’re going to get out of it.”
The completed monument will feature military members and peacekeepers in a circular design.
An artist rendering of the proposed monument for Springbank Park.
“So that when you walk around and see all these figures, it will actually look like they’re moving,” Mantz explained.
Holder said placards with QR codes will be set up around the monument to enhance visitor understanding.
“And to learn a story about the wars and the peacekeeping roles. We think that is important.”
Holder, who lost an uncle to combat in World War II, said the project is personal for him.
Construction costs for the monument are anticipated to reach $400,000 with $150,000 already raised, the rest coming from the community.
Fundraising efforts include online donations and potentially, boxes inside local businesses.
“So that people can drop a loonie or toonie in and help us remember,” explained Holder.
And remembering is what it is all about for Mantz.
“We need the whole community to be part of this and to feel part of this. Feel part of what the veterans have done and give thanks for their service.”
The monument is to be complete for Remembrance Day services in 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to quash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.