Firefighters of Whitby honoured with new memorial project

A new memorial project commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Firefighters of Whitby

WHITBY, ON, Jan. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - Firefighters are not only pillars of our communities: they also embody courage and dedication, ensuring the safety of all, often at the risk of their own lives. As first responders to fires and serious accidents, they perform work that is both dangerous and essential. Their exceptional commitment to serving others deserves to be commemorated and honored for its true value.

Today, Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament (Whitby), announced funding of $135,000 for the Fallen Firefighters Memorial and 175th Celebration project in Whitby. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

This funding will facilitate the creation and installation of a monument to commemorate the 175th anniversary of Whitby Fire & Emergency Services, which was founded in 1851. The monument will feature a bronze sculpture of a kneeling firefighter in front of a wall where the names of Whitby's fallen firefighters will be inscribed. The project also includes the creation and installation of four interpretive panels in English and French with information and photos about the history of the Whitby Fire & Emergency Services, as well as seating, landscaping and lighting.

This funding is provided by the Legacy Fund component of Canadian Heritage's Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program. The Legacy Fund specifically provides funding for capital projects linked to the commemoration of a significant local historical event or personality. This funding will support key elements of this project, including design and planning, installation, excavation, material, labour and lighting.

Quotes
"The commitment of Whitby's Firefighters to the town of Whitby for 175 years is worth celebrating, particularly those brave individuals who served and gave their lives for the safety of the community. We are proud to be a partner with the Fallen Firefighters Memorial project to honour those who served and protected the people of Whitby."

--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

"Our fallen firefighters deserve a place to be remembered with dignity and honour. I am proud that our government, through Canadian Heritage's Legacy Fund--supported by the Town of Whitby, Whitby Fire & Emergency Services and the Whitby Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 2036--will create the first Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Durham Region. This initiative reflects our community's gratitude for the Whitby firefighters who have protected us for 175 years and for the families who have borne the weight of their sacrifice. Together, we are ensuring that their service will be remembered not just today, but for generations to come."

--Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament (Whitby)

Quick Facts

The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program helps celebrate communities across Canada. The program increases opportunities for local artists, artisans, heritage performers or specialists, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural carriers to be involved in their community. It also enables local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.

The Legacy Fund component supports community-initiated capital projects that restore, renovate or transform an existing building or exterior space (such as a statue, community hall, monument, garden or work of art) intended for community use.

The Fallen Firefighters Memorial project will also create opportunities for amateur artists to showcase commemorative artwork through temporary site installations.

Associated Links

Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
Legacy Fund – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact:Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]|