This plaque pays tribute to the Canadian Army units that were once housed at the London Armouries.
For numerous decades, London had been home to a large British Army contingent garrisoned in the area that was to become Victoria Park. Starting in 1869, these troops were slowly withdrawn, leaving the defense of the country to the Canadian Militia. When the former British garrison buildings were destroyed by fire, a drill shed was built for the local Militia units.
After a few years, this installation became inadequate and a new armoury was built at the corner of Dundas and Waterloo streets. Opened with great fanfare on 1 February 1905, over the years the Armoury was home to numerous Militia units including the 1st Hussars, units of the Royal Canadian Artillery and Royal Canadian Engineers, the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Unfortunately the Armoury had to be closed and on 4 June 1978, the Canadian flag was lowered for the last time marking its official closure. For years, the building stood empty and its demolition seemed imminent. However, in 1988 a developer converted the building into a luxury hotel, keeping the exterior walls and constructing a twenty storey tower in the centre of the building. Today, the Delta London Armouries Hotel is one of the most sought after lodging in the city.
