Four cenotaphs in North Glengarry could see major improvements next year under a community-led plan to restore and modernize the local memorials honouring those who served.
The North Glengarry Cenotaph Project is proposing between $155,000 and $165,000 in work at the Glengarry Soldiers Memorial in Alexandria, along with cenotaphs in Maxville and Apple Hill and the community memorial in Dalkeith.
The proposal was presented to North Glengarry Council on August 10 by Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry MP Eric Duncan, who chairs the volunteer committee behind the project.
Duncan described the initiative as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address years of deterioration while improving the appearance, accessibility and visibility of the memorial sites.
The project has the support of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 423, which has been consulted by the committee.
Alexandria project would receive the largest investment
The most extensive work is planned for the Glengarry Soldiers Memorial in Alexandria, with an estimated cost of about $115,600 after HST recovery.
Plans call for sections of the existing interlock walkway to be replaced and widened, along with replacing the smaller stones surrounding the memorial with larger stones that can be engraved.
The cenotaph itself would be cleaned, restored and regrouted, while its plaques would also be cleaned. The two artillery guns at the site would be refurbished.
New lighting is proposed, and the Township sign would be moved to the north side of the property. The project could also include two or three new benches, depending on the final budget.
Improvements planned across the other communities
At the Maxville cenotaph, the existing pathway would be widened and replaced, with the memorial cleaned and refurbished. New lighting and two flagpoles are also part of the proposal.
Apple Hill would receive a new T-shaped interlock walkway, along with lighting and two flagpoles. The cenotaph would also undergo cleaning and refurbishment.
At the Dalkeith community monument, the planned work is more limited, with a railing proposed along the steps.
Fundraising would begin this year
The committee hopes to cover much of the project cost through a combination of government funding and community fundraising.
Three applications are planned for the Veterans Affairs Canada Community War Memorial Program, which can provide up to $25,000 in matching funding for each individual project.
The committee also plans to sell engraved interlocking stones for $150 each at the Alexandria, Maxville and Apple Hill memorials. Buyers would receive a Township-issued tax receipt of approximately $125.
The project is seeking a one-time $35,000 contribution from North Glengarry as part of the Township’s 2027 budget. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 423 has already committed another $35,000, with the remaining funds expected to come from government grants and community donations.
Construction could begin next spring
The committee plans to continue fundraising throughout the rest of 2026 and into early 2027.
If the necessary funding is secured, construction could begin in spring 2027, with the work targeted for completion by summer. Separate public rededication ceremonies would then be held at each of the four memorial sites.
The committee is also proposing that all four projects move forward together. Doing the work as one larger project could reduce costs for shared items such as interlock, flagpoles and lighting.
Council support remains preliminary
Council did not formally approve the project or vote on the funding request during the August 10 meeting.
Instead, councillors expressed broad support for the initiative and discussed the proposal as a framework for future decisions by council and the incoming administration.
Among the requests being considered are the $35,000 municipal contribution, allowing the project to use Township banking services, having the Township serve as the lead applicant for Veterans Affairs funding, moving signage at the Alexandria memorial and creating a reserve fund for future maintenance.
Mayor Jamie MacDonald praised Duncan and the Legion for taking on the project, while Deputy Mayor Carma Williams thanked Duncan for his leadership.
Councillor Michael Madden described the proposal as an incredible initiative and said it was something the community should be proud of.
Councillor Brian Caddell also backed the engraved-stone fundraising campaign, saying he intended to purchase three stones in memory of family members who served during the First and Second World Wars.