LONDON, ONTARIO – Local federal and provincial representatives joined City of London officials at an unveiling ceremony for a landscaping project along the Veterans Memorial Parkway to commemorate Canadian veterans. The highlight of the ceremony was a new major gateway rock monument at the entrance of the Parkway.

“This new monument along the Veterans Memorial Parkway is just one way that our Government recognizes the sacrifices made by our veterans,” said Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “On the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of Vimy Ridge, we are reminded of our eternal gratitude for the contributions made by the men and women who have served our country and this monument will be a lasting tribute.”

“I am pleased that the Ontario government has played an important role in making this monument to our veterans a reality,” said Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “This monument will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans to serve and protect all Canadians.”

“This collaborative landscaping project pays permanent tribute to the thousands of brave Veterans who fought for our freedom so many years ago, as well as those who continue to do so today,” says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.  “In particular, the gateway monument reminds all Londoners and visitors that Veterans are the reason we enjoy the privilege of living in a free country.” 

The unveiling ceremony signaled the start of a landscape enhancements project to be undertaken in the upcoming summer months. Landscape work will include other memorial elements and enhanced plantings along the widened areas of the Parkway, which will add tree and rock elements to improve its aesthetic quality and commemorate Canadian veterans.

The governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing up to $233,000 to support this Infrastructure Stimulus Fund project. The City of London is contributing $234,000 to cover the total eligible project cost of $700,000.

The Government of Canada’s $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Fund invests in infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. The Province of Ontario’s contribution comes from the 2009 provincial budget, Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future, Ontario's two-year, $32.5-billon infrastructure investment will support more than 300,000 jobs and strengthen Ontario’s economy.

Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in joint funding for more than 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province.