The Cenotaph & Remembrance Park, Dickinson Square
The Cenotaph, just north of Watson's Mill on Dickinson St. at Johnston Clapp Lane, overlooks the Rideau River. [map] It was erected about 1962 by the Manotick Legion and the former Rideau Township. The fence around the Cenotaph came from the home of Sir Robert Borden, Canada's Prime Minister during the First World War. We believe his home was on Chapel Street in Ottawa. The fence is identical to that on Parliament Hill and apparently was "left over" from there. The outer fence is part of the original railings from the bridge that used to span the back channel here from 1872 until 1957.
The Manotick Remembrance Park, built in 2017, is just past the Cenotaph. It contains six gardens dedicated to Canadian Services branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Merchant Navy, Peacekeeping, and those who served on the Home Front. A life-size bronze statue of a veteran and child is on the accessible pathway that winds through the park from Bridge Street to Mill Street. Remembrance Day Ceremonies are held at the Cenotaph every November 11. (Click on signs to view a larger image.)
The Manotick Remembrance Park was officially open on July 2, 2017 at 2:00 pm.
Entrance from Bridge Street
Audio Park Tour - coming soon!
In our continuing efforts to make our new Park accessible to all, we have developed and Audio Tour (English and French) of the Remembrance Park funded by the City of Ottawa.
Entrance from Mill Street
The Branch organizes Remembrance Ceremonies at the three Cenotaphs within its bounds.
The largest ceremony is in Manotick on November 11, Remembrance Day. There is normally an Ecumenical Church Service of Remembrance, followed by a Parade to the Cenotaph, the Remembrance Ceremony itself, return Parade to the Manotick Legion, and a reception.
Similar ceremonies are normally held on the Sunday before November 11 at the Cenotaphs in Kars and North Gower. Details of the several ceremonies are published each year at the Legion office and in the local media.
The Remembrance Vigil is conducted by the 2958 Army Cadet Corps (of which Branch 314 is the Sponsor). The Vigil begins at 2300 hrs on November 10, and continues until the Remembrance Ceremony at 1100 hrs on November 11. The cadets hold vigil on a shift basis throughout the night, no matter what the weather. They bivouac in the Legion lower level when not on duty. During the evening of November 10, the Cadets learn more about Remembrance and its meaning from guest speakers, videos, and discussion.
The Park gardens will take a lot of work each year to keep the gardens in tip top condition. The Manotick Legion has committed to maintain the gardens and carry out annual maintenance on the many gardens of the Park. Looking for zone captains and volunteers to help maintain the gardens.
In partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, we have established the Maintaining Memories Garden Maintenance Fund. Help Maintain the Gardens by donating today!
Thank you for considering a donation to help us professionally maintain the wonderful perennial gardens of our new Remembrance Park. As you know, these gardens have been designed to reflect our armed forces, those at home and the heritage of the Park Site.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #314 Manotick is thrilled to partner once again with the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation in the issuance of official tax receipts for donations to the Maintaining Memories Remembrance Park Garden Maintenance Fund.
Here’s How It Works:
When you donate, you will receive an official tax receipt from the Foundation (for donations of $10 or more). If desired, you can make your donation in honour of a loved one, family member or friend.
You can make you donation in two ways:
1. Mail in Your Donation- Print out this form complete it and mail to the address on the form.
2. Donate Online - Click here to donate through the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation CanadaHelps donation page.
The Remembrance Park is special place, unlike any City of Ottawa park. We are proud of the work and contributions by the community to turn a small piece of vacant land into this beautiful Park!
Your donation will help us maintain the Parks dedicated gardens year to year!