VISIT OF THE TWO MONUMENT SITES – CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM
February 20, 2019
1030-1500 (EST)
The purpose of the teleconference on December 18, 2018, and the face-to-face meeting on February 20, 2019 was to consult with the Commemoration Advisory Group members on two new site options for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan.
In Attendance
Commemoration Advisory Group Members
- Dr. Steve Harris, Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence, (member co-chair)
- Derrill Henderson, National Council of Veteran Associations in Canada & Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada
- Ray Kokkonen, Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
- Gerry Wharton, Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans in Canada
- Major Wallace Noseworthy, Canadian Joint Operations Command, Canadian Armed Forces
- Steven Clark, Royal Canadian Legion
- Dr. Lee Windsor, University of New Brunswick Gregg Centre
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
- John Embury, Director of Communications
- Sarah Cozzi, Legislative Assistant and Issues Management
- Jami Carter, Staffing Officer
Veterans Affairs Canada Officials
- Patsy Bolger-Gallant, Director General, Commemoration Division (Veterans Affairs Canada co-chair)
- Cindy MacEwen, A/Director, Policy and Planning, Commemoration Division
- Pat Lynch, Senior Analyst, Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach
Presenters
Canadian Heritage
- Rachel Bériault, A/Senior Manager, Monuments and Public Art
National Capital Commission
- Martin Barakengera, Chief, Landscape Architecture and Industrial Design
- Jason Hutchison, Landscape Architect, Design & Land Use. National Capital Commission
Record of Discussion
A summary of the last meeting, held on December 18, 2018, was provided and was followed by an opportunity for further comments/feedback, prior to in-person visitation of the two sites.
The group walked the two proposed sites; considerations were once again presented by the National Capital Commission and discussed by Commemoration Advisory Group members.
Back at the Canadian War Museum, the representatives from Canadian Heritage and the National Capital Commission provided a summary of the visioning session that was held in 2014 with Afghanistan Veterans, as the importance of consulting with Afghanistan Veterans was raised. The Commemoration Advisory Group members were satisfied with the consultation that was done with Afghanistan Veterans during that visioning exercise.
Following discussions, which included personal insights regarding the potential suitability of each site based on time in Afghanistan, a consensus was reached that site Option 2 – LeBreton Riverfront east of the Canadian War Museum (open, grass area adjacent to paved path) would be recommended to the Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Next Steps
The Commemoration Advisory Group endorsement of site Option 2 will be provided to the Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs for consideration. Upon confirmation of a preferred site from the Minister, Federal Land Use Approval will be sought from the National Capital Commission Board. The Commemoration Advisory Group members will be kept informed as the project progresses.
The group was thanked and the meeting was adjourned.