Ottawa - Today, the RCMP marks the completion of its National Headquarters (NHQ) relocation to Barrhaven with the rededication of the Force’s national memorial.
The 13-foot bronze horse and rider Commissioner James Macleod monument, formerly situated at the 1200 Vanier Parkway campus, is now an impressive landmark outside the front gates at 73 Leikin Drive in Barrhaven. The original Macleod statue sits at Fort Macleod in Calgary, Alberta. The replica was unveiled at the former RCMP NHQ on November 11, 2005.
The Leikin campus was purchased by the federal government in 2006, with the RCMP’s move to the new NHQ starting in 2009.
"The memorial will stand in its new home here at 73 Leikin Dr., where a community Cenotaph from the Barrhaven Legion Branch #641 is also being planned. I look forward to the day when people can gather here to pay tribute not only to fallen RCMP members, but also to our war veterans,” says the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of State (Democratic Reform).
“Despite our presence in this community for the last three years, there was something missing to symbolize our collective efforts and unity across the country,” said RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson. “Our national memorial’s homecoming is a significant reminder to each of us of the frontline men and women who put themselves in harm’s way each day across our country.”
To date, the names of 231 RCMP members are engraved on the memorial in tribute to those who have given their life in service to Canadians. The most recent among them is Cst. Adrian Oliver, a native of Ottawa, who was killed in a fatal collision on November 13, 2012, and whose father Joe Oliver is an Assistant Commissioner at RCMP NHQ.
Attending the ceremony were the families of members killed in the line of duty, as well as the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), former RCMP Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, C/Supt. Ron Mostrey, Commanding Officer of NHQ who joined Commr. Paulson in unveiling a commemorative plaque, MPP for Nepean-Carleton Lisa MacLeod, Mayor Jim Watson, City Councillors Jan Harder and Steve Desroches, and RCMP Chaplain Pierre Belanger.
Traditionally, RCMP monuments have been located near divisional headquarters in an effort to stay connected to the communities the RCMP serves and to provide a place of reflection for the public and family members to pay their respects.
“The presence of our memorial outside secure police gates is intended in this spirit, to engage our community and to foster trust between citizens and police,” says Paulson.
For further background on the RCMP National Memorial, please visit the RCMP’s website at: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/2013/11-19-rrnm-rmcng-eng.htm
Contact: RCMP Media Relations
(613) 843-5999
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