Preparations are underway to install the former Eighth Street Cenotaph that sat outside Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3 for more than 30-years in time for Remembrance Day next Wednesday.

The granite monument was recently moved to Colonel Samuel Smith Park, in the Lake Shore Blvd. and Kipling Ave. area.

Crews have been working long hours to install the monument that is shielded by sheets of wood near Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Hundreds of people are expected on November 11 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and 100-years of marking Remembrance Day with a public ceremony.

Councillor Mark Grimes says he has been working with City Staff to “ensure that flag poles will be installed alongside the Cenotaph in time for Remembrance Day.”

“Remembrance Week is a time when Torontonians can reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and honour all Canadians who have fought and continue to fight for peace,” said Mayor John Tory, as he proclaimed November 5 to 11 Remembrance Week.

He said this year commemorations will be held virtually in keeping with public health advice against in-person gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Toronto encourages the public to observe this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations virtually at home or at work.

“The City will ensure appropriate respect and honour is paid by placing wreaths at the City’s cenotaphs on behalf of various organizations,” Tory said.

Many activities are planned for Remembrance Day including: the Toronto sign and the City Hall Towers will be lit in red on November 11, virtual ceremonies will be available by broadcast media and the City’s YouTube channel all week, all Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) vehicles will stop for two minutes on November 11 at 11 a.m. and “Lest We Forget” window cards will be placed in TTC vehicles.

There will also be commemorative posts on the City’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts during the week, the public can show support for veterans and commemorate Remembrance Day by using the City’s Poppies Facebook.

The Toronto Archives’ 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War web exhibit shares the history of Canada’s participation in the Second World War through historical images from the time: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/whats-online/web-exhibits/first-second-world-wars/75th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-the-second-world-war/

The World Wars section of the Toronto Archives’ Black History in Toronto page provides information about Black Canadians’ participation in World Wars:   https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/using-the-archives/research-by-topic/black-history-in-toronto/

In addition, artifacts from Fort York National Historic Site, Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and an 1813 battlefield, can be seen online through the Toronto History Museums Artifact Collection. Search “Remembrance Day” on the web page to view commemorative items, including Remembrance Day programs, proclamations and photos, and military medals and uniforms. https://toronto.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll?logon&application=COLLECTIONS&language=144&file=%5BCOT_OPAC%5Dhome.html