Today, the City of Barrie, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Trees for Life, celebrated the completion of two roundel projects along the waterfront.
"These projects are a significant milestone for the City of Barrie in celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force's Centennial year," shared Mayor Alex Nuttall. "The new additions to the Military Heritage Park honour the legacy of the RCAF and provide beautiful spaces for our community to reflect on their invaluable contributions to our nation. We are grateful to everyone who made the roundels possible, ensuring that the history and sacrifices of the RCAF are remembered for generations to come."
The roundels are located along the path near Military Heritage Park, and consist of the following:
RCAF Floral Roundel Project
The RCAF Floral Roundel is planted in blue and red annual flowers separated by white decorative landscape rock to convey the colours of the RCAF Roundel emblem. It’s over 10 metres in diameter and is located near the walkway beside the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre. The floral maple leaf is outlined with a metal border and filled with red begonias, and the border is planted in blue saliva. Both plant species are annuals for continuous flowering.
RCAF Paverstone Roundel Project
This permanent landscape feature, located on the far eastern border of the Military Heritage Park, was developed in partnership with Trees For Life, Unilock, and Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc. The paverstone roundel features a central paverstone maple leaf. As well, 13 red maple trees were planted around the site, representing the 13 provinces and territories of Canada, as well as 100 bayberry shrubs, representing 100 years of the RCAF. Planting was done with the help of local Air Cadet 102 Squadron. The roundel design includes six custom benches, created and donated by the Lepp Family, made from reclaimed wood from former Canadian Forces Base Rivers, a former No. 1 Air Navigation School in Manitoba.
The roundel projects were funded in part by Veterans Affairs Canada. Learn more about the roundels on the project page.
The roundel project completion is occurring this year among a number of significant military anniversaries, including the RCAF's 100th anniversary and the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and VE Day. The City of Barrie is proud to support and honour the Canadian Armed Forces, with events and initiatives planned throughout 2024 and 2025. Visit barrie.ca/HonouringMilitary to learn more.
