Canada Company LAV III Monument

A LAV III Monument is a permanent community symbol of remembrance which pays tribute to our Canadian Armed Forces who served and sacrificed in Afghanistan from 2001-2014. It is constructed from previously used LAV III hulls and remnant parts which have been decommission by the government. They are actual-size, look real but are not functional. A LAV III is a Light Armoured Vehicle made of steel, supported by an 8-wheel drive suspension and powered by a 6-cylinder 350 horsepower diesel engine. It can weigh as much as 16,000 kg, carry various weapons, hold up to 10 passengers and reach speeds of 100 km/h.

The LAV III Monument Selection Committee, which is chaired by Major General (ret’d) David Fraser, a former Canadian Commander of Afghanistan South in 2006 along with other Afghanistan veterans, awards monuments while supplies last. This is a community sponsored monument by the BC Regiment (DCO) Association Charitable Trust. Each monument includes a commemorate plaque and costs $17,500, plus applicable sales tax. The original cost of an operational LAV III ranged from $ 1-4 Million depending upon the configuration. The LAV III is made by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario, Canada.

The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own) is an armoured reconnaissance reserve regiment whose soldiers assist the Regular Force in meeting Canada's military commitments both at home and abroad. The Regiment is the oldest in Vancouver with a long history, during which it has been designated as Garrison Artillery, Rifles, Infantry, Armour, and finally Armoured Reconnaissance since 1965. Throughout its history, the Regiment has received 34 battle honours. Approximately 100 members served during the Afghanistan conflict, including the Regiment's former Commanding Officer, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, who completed 3 tours of duty before being appointed as the Minister of National Defence, in 2015.

The BC Regiment Armoury is a designated heritage building located in downtown Vancouver with limited exterior property. As a result, the Armoury could not accommodate the display of the LAV III Monument outside, therefore, a former serving member of the Regiment, William P.J. McCarthy, donated a parcel of his family estate to ensure that his former Regiment could be commemorated in this symbolic way. The LAV III Monument is located close to Mission, overlooking Hatzic Lake and is visible when you drive along Sylvester Road. The Estate is called Shiloh Hill (or Place of Peace Hill) and the grounds will be opened to the public on various occasions throughout the year.

[plaque]

CANADA COMPANY - LA COMPAGNIE CANADA

In recognition and memory of the efforts of approximately
40,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel who served and
the 162 Canadians who died in the cause of bringing peace
and freedom to the people of Afghanistan.

2001  2014

En mémoire et en reconnaissance des efforts des quelque
40 000 membres des Forces armées canadiennes qui ont
servi en Afghanistan et des 162 Canadiens qui sont morts
pour la cause de la paix et de la liberté du peuple afghan.