The Major W. Ross Chamberlain Park is named in honour of Major William Ross Chamberlain, MC, who joined the Canadian Army in November 1941, and served in North-west Europe, Africa, Italy, and Indo-China during the Second World War. He gallantly served with the 4 Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards) and was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for the exemplary courage he displayed as a young lieutenant leading a successful attack against German positions on May 21, 1944.
Following the end of hostilities, he remained in the Army until 1962 after which he became a teacher. As a teacher and guidance counsellor for many years, he helped innumerable students at Fisher Park and Merivale high schools. A member of the Manotick Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for 36 years, he founded and chaired the Youth Education Committee, developing a student bursary program for deserving high school students.
Mr. Chamberlain was also particularly devoted to providing services to seniors, founding the Rideau Seniors Association, the Manotick Senior Citizens Service Centre and assisted in the creation of Highlands Apartments (a low-cost senior’s residence) as well as a not-for-profit senior’s café in Manotick.
