Valour Road Commemorative Plaza honors Victoria Cross Soldiers
  |
|||
 |
News Archives
|
||
|
Media Centre
|
||
|
|
|
|
 |
|||
WINNIPEG - November 4, 2005 - Nearly a century has passed since three young men from Winnipeg, who all lived on what was then called Pine Street in the city’s west end, were awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during battle in World War 1. Leo Clarke and Frederick Hall died in action, and Robert Shankland lived until 1968.
In recognition of their sacrifice and courage, Pine Street was renamed Valour Road in 1925. A new plaza, at the corner of Valour and Sargent Avenue will be officially dedicated at a ceremony on Saturday November 5 at 11:00 am to further immortalize the contribution of these soldiers and their comrades.
Taking part in the commemoration event will be Andrew Swan, MLA, Minto on behalf of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister Scott Smith and City Councillor Harvey Smith, Daniel McIntyre Ward. Also attending will be a contingent from the Minto Armoury, and representatives from the community who were members of the project working group.
“As we approach Remembrance Day, the important role these three young men played in our country’s history should be forever etched in our memory, “said Andrew Swan. “This plaza will ensure we never forget the sacrifices made by thousands of Canadians.
“Neighbourhood pride is built on the contributions of those who lived here in the past and those who live here now,” said Councillor Harvey Smith. “This new plaza ensures that the sacrifice paid by these brave soldiers and other Canadian military will live forever.”
Designed by local landscape architect David Wagner, the Valour Road Commemorative Plaza features tyndall stone monuments in the shape of the Victoria Cross, thematic signage in the VC colours of crimson, gold and black, and complementary decorative concrete work and plantings. The plaza is adjacent to and integrated into the design of a re-developed transit loop at Valour and Sargent.
The project was funded through the Building Communities initiative. Building Communities is a $14 million, capital infrastructure initiative funded equally between the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The program is designed to fund community improvements in older neighbourhoods of the city. Projects must undergo extensive community consultation and planning before funding is approved.
To date the Building Communities initiative has funded the completion of 56 community infrastructure projects in six neighbourhood areas. A total of 96 community projects will be completed by the end of the program in 2007.
Last update: 30.09.2008
* Top of Page
