Government of Canada Completes Restoration of National War Memorial

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 9, 2016) - The Government of Canada values its historic sites and invests in them to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is proud to announce the completion of restoration work at the National War Memorial. The 77-year-old cenotaph, located in downtown Ottawa, had been under repair since April 2016.

The work included:

• demolishing, removing and replacing the existing concrete slab
• introducing a waterproofing membrane and ensuring the concrete slab slopes to the drains
• replacing and repairing damaged pavers
• cleaning and repairing the cenotaph masonry
• cleaning all the bronze figures and re-waxing them with a new protective coating

The national Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held at the newly restored Memorial on November 11. The Memorial is the site of the national ceremony each year. This year, Canadians will see that the bronze statues are shining a little brighter and that the stones and pavers are in perfect condition.

Quotes

"This work will help ensure that the National War Memorial remains a vital symbol and gathering place for Canadians to remember and reflect with pride and compassion on the efforts and sacrifices made by so many."

- The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

"For Canadians from coast to coast to coast, the National War Memorial serves as a powerful, unifying reminder of the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women. The important work that has been undertaken by Public Services and Procurement Canada will ensure that the Memorial will continue to serve that role for years to come."

- The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"The restorative work on the National War Memorial monument was fundamental in ensuring that Canadians of this and future generations continue to have a hallowed place to honour service members."

- Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs

"As the National War Memorial has been a significant gathering place in our nation's capital for over 70 years, its renewal ensures that it will continue to serve as an important place of reflection for residents of Ottawa and all Canadians for generations to come."

- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

Quick Facts

• The National War Memorial was unveiled in 1939 to commemorate the response of Canadians in the First World War. It symbolizes the sacrifice of all who served in the past, who serve today and who will serve in the future.
• Every year the national Remembrance Day ceremony is held at the National War Memorial.
• On March 23, 2016, PSPC awarded a $3.2-million contract to Atwill-Morin Group Inc. for the restoration and repair of the National War Memorial.
• The contractor began work in April 2016, and the renovation work was finished ahead of schedule on November 4, 2016, so that the site would be ready for Remembrance Day.

Associated Links

PSPC's webpage about the National War Memorial restoration

Veterans Affairs webpage about the history of the National War Memorial

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