Hewett Avenue is named in memorial to Colonel Edward Osborne Hewett.

In the immediate post-World War II era, the Royal Military College of Canada renamed street names on the College grounds for significant military leaders.

Colonel Edward Osborne Hewett CMG, ADC (1875 - 1886) was the first Commandant of the Military College in Canada and a member of Royal Engineers. He chose the RMC motto ("Truth, Duty, Valour"), assembled a civilian staff; organized a 4 year curriculum, and prepared site for use as a College.