Just in time for Remembrance Day.
The iconic Eighth Street Cenotaph is finally being moved to its new home in Col. Samuel Smith Park a few blocks away.
The iconic Cenotaph was hooked by a crew and moved by truck on October 29 due to the construction of a condo project at the site of the former Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 3.
“I am thrilled that the Cenotaph will be place in time for Remembrance Day,’ Councillor Mark Grimes said of the long-awaited move.
It is slated to be placed in a high-profile location in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Kipling Ave. park.
“For decades, the Cenotaph has been located in front of the Royal Canadian Legion, which has since merged with Branch 643, on Jutland Rd. There was no space for the monument there.
Eighth Street has been a place of gathering for those looking to remember the brave men and
women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II and the Korean War,” according to a City Council Motion Without Notice.
For three-plus decades, veterans, legionnaires and members of the public have gathered annually at the large cenotaph to remember Canadians fallen in war on the Sunday before Remembrance Day, and on Nov. 11.
“The years go by, and the memories of the devastating consequences of these wars drifts further
away from our minds.” according to the motion. “The Cenotaph serves as an important reminder of the tragedies of war and provides our community with an important source of reflection.”
“There is significant concern over the possibility of the Cenotaph being damaged before it can
be relocated,” according to the City. “The Cenotaph is of heritage value and needs to be protected.”
The developer has agreed to move the 7.5-metre solid granite monument before they begin building.
A mid-rise condominium development is underway that calls for the construction of about 90 condominium units on the site and a small extension of the adjacent park.
The massive monument, donated by the community, has stood in remembrance of lives lost in front of the former Legion Hall since 1983.
City Council has directed Heritage Preservation Services staff to evaluate the property at 150 Eighth Street for any potential heritage significance. Heritage Preservation Services staff are currently evaluating the property.