Mapping Toronto’s war memorials

As Remembrance Day approaches, we take a look at permanent tributes across the city

Remembrance Day is one of the few days each year that we take time out of our busy lives and appreciate the past. Here in the GTA, there are many different memorials that serve as a permanent reminders to those who paid the ultimate price. The map below has nine different memorials dedicated to those who fought for our freedoms.

Toronto also has services available for Remembrance Day at 2 p.m. on Sun. Nov. 8, at the Scarborough Civic Centre, as well as ceremonies at the East York Civic Centre Memorial Gardens, the Etobicoke Civic Centre cenotaph, the George Weston Recital Hall at the Toronto Centre for the Arts in North York, The Toronto old city hall cenotaph, the York Memorial Collegiate auditorium at the York Civic Centre, and the Fort York National Historic Site – all at 10:45am.

For community service listings, please visit the City of Toronto website.

Remembrance Day Memorials

Markham Cenotaph:

This memorial is located just off the corner of Hwy. 7 and Main street in Markham. This cenotaph is rather large, but easy to miss, as it is hidden behind rows of trees. Created in 1981, this memorial sits right outside a Markham community library, and is near a local ice rink. This cenotaph commemorates “the men and women in Markham who have provided great service and sacrifice for their country during war and world conflict.”

Sons of England War Memorial:

Located prominently on the intersection of University Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Toronto, The Sons of England war memorial was restored several years ago. The original statue was designed by Charles Adamson, born in 1880 in Dundee, Scotland. The number of names listed on this statue is immense.

Canadian Airman’s Memorial:

Located in the middle of University Avenue and Dundas Street, the looming memorial is visible a ways down the street. It was constructed in 1948 by Oscar Nemon. The size likely pays tribute to the airmen who flew high in the sky for our freedoms.

Top of Queen’s Park Circle:

One of the more well-known monuments, this structure stands at the top of the Queen’s Park Circle, at the entrance to Queen’s Park. It stands as a memorial for those that served in both the First World War and the Second World War. Nearby is a statue of King Edward VII, mounted on a steed. This is also close to where provincial parliament takes place.

Little Avenue Memorial Park:

This tiny, secluded park is easy to miss, but definitely worth visiting. This cenotaph honours those who served in WW1 and WW2 as well as peacekeeping efforts. The park, just off of Weston Rd. and located next to the Humber River has big trees and benches, perfect for a picnic while contemplating our nation’s fallen soldiers.

York Cenotaph:

You might have seen this cenotaph if you’ve ever had to pay a parking ticket. The monument, located near the entrance of the York Civic Centre, honours those who served in the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War. Situated in the middle of a busy urban area, the cenotaph offers visitors a quiet spot to reflect in the middle of the hustle and bustle. A Remembrance Day service will be held on Nov. 11 at 10:45 in the York Memorial Collegiate Auditorium (2690 Eglinton Ave W).

Forest Hill War Memorial:

This monument pays homage to the fallen service people of the Second World War. The beautiful cenotaph sits at the entrance to Forest Hill Collegiate and the Forest Hill Library branch. Built in 1980 and surrounded by a garden serves as a reminder to students, library patrons and the community of the glorious dead who ensured our freedom.

East York Cenotaph:

Located in the front lawn of the East York Civic Centre this cenotaph, built in 1948, commemorates soldiers who fought in the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War and Canada’s various peacekeeping missions. The lawn and gardens offer visitors a nice place to stroll and contemplate the next time they’re at the civic centre on official business. A service will be held on Remembrance Day at 10:45 a.m. in the Memorial Gardens.

Scarborough War Memorial:

One of the more difficult memorials to access, the cenotaph is located at the fork in the road that splits Kingston Road and Danforth Avenue. The structure was erected in 1921 in memory of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World War, and the Korean War. Surrounded by trees and busy roads, this imposing monument is well worth the visit. During the summer flowers surround the monument and spotlights brighten it up at night.

About this article

By: Ethan Manninen & Bria John
Copy editor: Bogdan Stanciu
Posted: Nov 6 2015 9:32 pm
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Filed under: News
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1 Comment on "Mapping Toronto’s war memorials"

  1. Jamie Maxwell | November 9, 2015 at 7:09 am |

    Not much of an article. You missed a number of memorials – I could list them, but then I would be doing your work for you. That and the fact that it is “Fort York National Historic Site”, not “Natural”

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