New Monument Honouring LCol William G. Barker VC Unveiled in Toronto's Scrivener Square Park

Monument in Scrivener Square honours Canada's most decorated military veteran and his enduring connection to Toronto

TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2026 /CNW/ -- The RCAF Foundation and Tricon Living today unveiled a new bronze statue honouring Lieutenant-Colonel William G. Barker VC at a new public park in Toronto's Rosedale neighbourhood, recognizing the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of Canada's most decorated military aviator.

A First World War flying ace and the most decorated military veteran in the history of the Commonwealth, Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross and numerous other military honours for his service. He was also an early advocate for the adoption of parachutes in military aviation, recognizing their potential to protect the lives of aircrew. In tribute to that legacy, the statue was unveiled beneath a ceremonial parachute.

The statue's location is closely connected to Barker's history in Toronto. The new park is part of Tricon Living's new rental community, The James, and stands across from the former North Toronto railway station, where Barker's body arrived following his death in a flying accident in 1930. From there, his body was laid to rest in the nearby Mount Pleasant Cemetery, following a funeral procession widely recognized as the largest in Toronto's history, with over 50,000 attendees.

"Tricon is proud to help bring William Barker's story into the public realm and into the daily life of this community," said Andrew Joyner, Senior Managing Director and Head of Multi-Family at Tricon Living. "The statue honours an extraordinary Canadian, establishing an important connection to the history of the Rosedale community and inviting Torontonians to reflect on a remarkable story of service, sacrifice, and civic pride."

The statue was crafted by Armando Barbon, a celebrated Canadian sculptor from Victoria, BC, and its unveiling will bring together members of the Barker family, representatives of 16 Wing and veterans' organizations, cadets, students, and community members, along with a commemorative flypast by a military aircraft to honour Barker's legacy.

"Today's commemoration begins Remembrance Week in Toronto by bringing William Barker's story directly into the community where his final journey home began," said Jeremy Diamond, CEO, RCAF Foundation. "As we look ahead to November 11, we invite Torontonians to join us in remembering Barker and the many Canadians whose service and sacrifice continue to shape our country."

The unveiling will be followed by a procession to Mount Pleasant Cemetery for the Lights of Remembrance event, where the RCAF Foundation, Mount Pleasant Group and community partners will illuminate the gravesites of approximately 400 Canadian military personnel resting there. The initiative creates an opportunity for visitors to discover their stories in the days leading up to Remembrance Day and beyond.

Additional Quotes

"Mount Pleasant Cemetery is honoured to commemorate William Barker and to be part of this meaningful tribute during Mount Pleasant Group's 200th anniversary year. For two centuries, our cemeteries have preserved the stories of people who helped shape our communities and our country. Lights of Remembrance builds on that tradition, sharing William Barker's remarkable story alongside those of the many Canadians who served, and inviting visitors to reflect on their service and sacrifice."

-- John Monahan, President and CEO, Mount Pleasant Group

"As we approach Remembrance Day, this monument to Lieutenant-Colonel William Barker serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, Canada. Barker's extraordinary legacy is woven into the history of Toronto, and it is fitting that this tribute stands near the place where his final journey home began. This monument will help ensure that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we enjoy today and inspire us to honour the service of our veterans, active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and all those who have answered the call to serve our country."

-- Deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Ainslie

Over almost 20 years, a group of citizens, business and political leaders, charities, artists, youth, and others did something both simple and extraordinary: they kept their promise that at the going down of the sun, they would remember. The monument to Lieutenant-Colonel William G. Barker, VC, stands as an inspiration for others to do the same for our veterans, serving members, and their families."

-- Ian Mackenzie, William G. Barker family

About the RCAF Foundation

The RCAF Foundation's mission is to recognize, foster and celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), as well as aviation and aerospace, through community engagement, education programs and meaningful initiatives that connect past, present, and future. Since 2021, the Foundation has been working to ensure that the future of aviation and aerospace in Canada is strong, innovative, and accessible by investing in the next generation, creating opportunities, and carrying forward a legacy that continues to inspire the future of aviation. 

About Tricon Living

Tricon Living is Canada's preeminent rental housing provider. We build, own, and operate a growing portfolio of purpose-built rental apartments located in major urban centres and defined by design excellence, signature resort-quality amenities, exceptional customer service, and resident programming that fosters connection and community. Tricon Living is a leading partner of all three levels of government, both building and operating many of Canada's largest purpose-built rental apartment communities that integrate market and affordable rental units. At Tricon, we have reimagined rental living.

SOURCE Tricon

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