Yukon

Christ the King Elementary School was designated as Whitehorse's "Peace Park" as part of Canada's 125th Birthday in 1992.

"Peace Parks Across Canada" was conceived and organized by the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) in collaboration with "CANADA 125" and the National Capital Commission. As Canada celebrated its 125th Birthday, some 400 cities and towns across Canada dedicated a Park to Peace – with most parks dedicated at Noon local time, October 8th, as the National Peacekeeping Monument was being unveiled in Ottawa. The members of the winning design team included Cornelia H. Oberlander, landscape architect. Supporters included the Federation of Canadian Mayors and Municipalities, Canada Parks and Recreation Association, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Heritage Canada, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Friends of the Earth, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, and local Rotary Clubs all across Canada. Project sponsors included VIA Rail, Greyhound Lines Canada, Ltd., CP Hotels and Resorts, Ramada International Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons Ltd., Meridien Hotels, Concept 3 Advertising and Programmed Communications, Ltd.

Peace Parks Across Canada" has served as the foundation in launching the "IIPT Global Peace Parks Program" on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, 2000

At noon on October 9th, 2007 – one day after the precise 15th Anniversary of the original dedications, and as Canada continues to be a beacon of peace, Tolerance, and Understanding in a world of increasing violence and distrust, and a nation that celebrates diversity, a nation-wide re-dedication was co-ordinated.

Each of the original Peace Parks incorporated a ‘Bosco Sacro’ (Peace Grove) of 12 trees as a symbolic link with one another, and with nature - and as a symbol of hope for the future. The 12 trees were also symbolic of Canada’s 10 Provinces and two Territories. As there are now three Territories, a 13th tree was planted as part of the "Re-dedication Ceremony."

This geographical feature was named Engineer Creek as a tribute to the Canadian Military Engineers, who built the Ogilvie River Bridge (George A. Jeckle Bridge). The creek runs parallel to the Dempster Highway for about 30 km and empties into the Ogilvie River next to the Ogilvie River Bridge. It was named by the Government of Yukon on 24 September 1981, marking the 10^th anniversary of the completion of the bridge.

Excerpt from “The History of the Canadian Military Engineers”, Volume 3, pages 370-371:

“The field squadrons also became involved in the construction of bridges and airfields in the North starting in the early 1970s in support of a government program of northern development. The remote locations and hostile climates offered construction challenges and hardships that were akin to training for combat missions. Construction of the first project, the Ogilvie River bridge in the Yukon, was undertaken by 3 Field Squadron and 1 CEU as a joint undertaking with the Department of Public Works….”

“Planning and reconnaissance had begun in June 1969 and the agreement between Public Works and the Department of National Defence called for the completion of the project- a 360-foot, three-span,…. (bridge) by December 1971. Construction start planned for July 1970 was delayed by a year because the civilian contractor building the Dempster Highway was unable to push the highway to the Ogilvie River until October 1970.”

“….sappers from 3 Field Squadron and support elements from 1 Service Battalion worked 14-hour days, seven days a week, from May to September (1971) to complete the structure…... Construction went smoothly and the bridge….. was opened and handed over to the Department of Public Works on 3 September 1971.”

Was named to honour the Canadian Military Engineer involvement in the construction of that bridge.

This memorial is dedicated to all veterans. It was erected by the Royal Canadian Legion Whitehorse (Pacific) Branch 254. Comrade Don Knutson, Associate Member was chairman of the committee.

This memorial is dedicated to all those who fought for Canada. When the City of Whitehorse established this area lots were allocated to Masonic Lodge, Yukon Order of Pioneers, Elks and Legion. Each club was allowed to identify their area by installing an emblem. Their emblem identifies the Legion plot of land.

This mural depicts the original construction of the Alaska Highway by the United States Army Engineers.