Located on the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay, east of South Shore Park, 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 creating landforms distinct to each era of overseas and national military commitment. Park features:
- Entrance feature signage & courtyard
- Landed beach interpretive outlook over Kempenfelt Bay
- Raided Knoll & seating area
- ANAF monument courtyard & seating area
- Victoria Cross monument courtyard & seating area
- Interpretive gardens & trench walk
- Flag pole display & marching green
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) roundel made of annual flowers
- Rohmer Roundel, a paverstone roundel and community space
An externally-accessible washroom is available at the nearby General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre. The washroom is open daily, 8am–5pm, and remains open year-round as it is heated.
Roundel Features
The 2024 RCAF Floral & Paverstone Roundel Projects included a RCAF floral roundel and a RCAF paverstone roundel.
Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Roundel
The RCAF Floral Roundel is planted in blue and red annual flowers separated by a white decorative landscape rock to convey the colours of the RCAF Roundel emblem. Over 3,000 annual flowers are grown from seed in the City’s greenhouse to ensure sufficient plants over the continuous display season. The approximately 10-metre diameter floral roundel is located on the north face of the turf mound to permit viewing from the air, from the adjacent walkway and from Kempenfelt Bay.
Rohmer Roundel
In September 2024, the City announced the naming of the community space at the paverstone roundel as the Rohmer Roundel, in honour of Major-General Richard Rohmer.
The Rohmer Roundel features a central paverstone maple leaf bordered by 100 Bayberry shrubs and six donated custom benches made from reclaimed wood from former Canadian Forces Base Rivers, a former No. 1 Air Navigation School in Manitoba. Rohmer Roundel serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. The dedication of this space stands as a lasting tribute to Major-General Rohmer’s lifelong service to Canada and allows the community to share their gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by the Canadian Armed Forces.
About Major-General Richard Rohmer
Major-General Richard Rohmer, a distinguished Second World War veteran and one of Canada’s most decorated military veterans, served as a Fighter Reconnaissance Pilot. Beyond his military career, he became a guiding figure in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as Honourary Lieutenant-General and advising on veterans’ commemorations. Rohmer also played a vital role in creating advisory committees and memorials to honour veterans and preserve the legacy of military service in Canada.
