Honouring our Canadian Armed Forces

Lest we forget. This page is dedicated to the local individuals who selflessly fought for our freedom and to recognize their contribution not only to our country, but to our local heritage.

The City of Barrie values its relationship with past and present members of the Canadian Military. We have a long history with our neighbours — Canadian Forces Base Borden — and continue to be a city that many members of the military call home. Remembering those who served our country is an important part of our heritage. We honour their memory in many ways.

Royal Canadian Air Force Centennial

The City of Barrie proudly recognizes the vital contributions of Canadian Forces Base Borden and its personnel to our community and nation. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has been a steadfast defender of our nation, showcasing bravery and excellence in safeguarding our skies and protecting our freedoms. The men and women of the RCAF, past and present, have exhibited unwavering courage and professionalism, earning the admiration and gratitude of Canadians nationwide. 

April 1, 2024, marked 100 years of service for the RCAF as an independent military element. The RCAF 2024 Centennial is a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone with all Canadians. 

View Related Events & Initiatives 

Poppies on Street Signs

A poppy — this distinctive red flower is a powerful symbol of remembrance that represents the immeasurable sacrifice soldiers have made for our country. This symbol can be found on the signs of streets that have been named in honour of local war veterans. The poppy is a thoughtful way for their memory to live on in our community and to remind us of the sacrifice others have made for our freedom.

View Map of Streets Named for Soldiers

Flags Along Barrie's Waterfront

The City honours, remembers and commemorates Barrie’s fallen soldiers by featuring pictures of local veterans on flags each year. The flags are displayed in the fall throughout Meridian Place, at City Hall, on Lakeshore Drive, and around the entire waterfront to Tiffin Street. In 2024, 16 new flags were added to the series.

Each year, the City endeavours to showcase a variety of local military members who reflect our diversity. Flags are placed as resources and space allow. If you have a family member who served in the military, AND who was born in, lived in, or had a connection to Barrie or the surrounding area, the City will consider featuring them on a Remembrance Day flag. Flag images and information must be received by August 1 of each year to be considered for inclusion in that year's Remembrance Day flag series. Requests received after that day will be considered for the following year's flags. 

Request to add a flag

Banners in the City Hall Rotunda

To acknowledge Remembrance Week and Remembrance Day 2024, 15 RCAF Centennial banners were hung in the City Hall rotunda in honour of the members of the RCAFA, past and present, who have served their country in war and peace, and promoted aviation in Canada.

The Cenotaph

Barrie's Cenotaph is located in Memorial Square. Installed on June 29, 1922, the Cenotaph recognized soldiers from Barrie, Innisfil and Vespra who were killed in action during World War I. Two slabs adjacent to the central monument have been added over time, along with the names of soldiers who lost their lives in World War II, the Korean War and in Afghanistan.

The Cenotaph is 23 feet high, with a nine-foot tall statue on the top. The crests of the various arms of the service are placed around the monument in the form of shields. During Meridian Place & Memorial Square renovations in 2017, the cenotaph was relocated to a place of prominence within the square.

The site remains a focal point of the downtown and represents a memorial to all who have lost their lives fighting for our country. Every year on November 11 our community gathers around the cenotaph for a Remembrance Day ceremony. Residents, active and retired military members, members of municipal, provincial and national police and emergency services, local business owners, their friends and families, dedicate time to remember the sacrifice of others.

Poppy Crosswalk

On November 9, 2021, new artwork at the crosswalk across from the Cenotaph at Memorial Square was added (at the base of Owen Street). There are three poppies incorporated into the crosswalk. They are 24” in size, and the thermoplastic application will last approximately seven years. The City consulted with Barrie’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch, and they are in support of the crosswalk installation as a way to remember our veterans and their sacrifices. ​

Military Heritage Park

Located on the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay, Military Heritage Park officially opened on October 27, 2017. The passive parkland development recognizes Barrie’s military history and ongoing relationships with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden by creat​ing landforms distinct to each era of overseas and national military commitment. 

In 2024, two recognition features were implemented in Military Heritage Park to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force—a roundel made of annual flowers and the Rohmer Roundel, a paverstone roundel and community space, named in honour of Major-General Richard Rohmer.

Barrie’s Fallen

From the South African War to present day, many local people gave their lives for our freedom. Please take a moment to remember them. Soldiers honoured with a street name are noted with a poppy next to their name. View map of streets named for soldiers.

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Small poppy icon

Aikens, Ernest

Date of Death:
Memorial: Holten Canadian Cemetery, Netherlands
Occupation: Farmer
Rank: Sergeant
War: WW2

Anderson, Trueman William

Date of Death:
Memorial: Groesbeck Canadian War Cemetery, Holland
Rank: Lieutenant
War: WW2

Andrews, Henry

Date of Death:
Memorial: St. James Cemetery, Stroud
Occupation: Clerk
Rank: Private
War: WW1

Annis, Lloyd

Date of Death:
Memorial: Hanover War Cemetery, Germany
Rank: Warrant Officer
War: WW2
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Small poppy icon

Armstrong, Emerson Watson

Date of Death:
Memorial: Vimy Memorial, France
Occupation: Clerk
Rank: Private
War: WW1
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Small poppy icon

Armstrong, Tom

Date of Death:
Memorial: Barlin Communal Cemetery, France
Rank: Lieutenant
War: WW1

Arnold, Frederick George

Date of Death:
Memorial: Standerton Garden of Remembrance, South Africa
Occupation: Merchant Tailor
Rank: Private
Honours: Queen's Medal 2 Clasps Transvaal, Natal
War: South African War

Averill, Leonard

Date of Death:
Memorial: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
Occupation: Farmer
Rank: Driver
War: WW1
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Small poppy icon

Bailey, Anthony

Date of Death:
Memorial: Vimy Memorial
Occupation: Carpenter
Rank: Private
War: WW1
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Small poppy icon

Bailey, Stephen

Date of Death:
Memorial: Barlin, Cemetery, France
Occupation: Labourer
Rank: Private
War: WW1