Four cenotaphs across North Glengarry could receive significant upgrades in 2027 as part of a proposed $155,000 to $165,000 project aimed at preserving local sites honouring veterans. Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry Member of Parliament (MP) Eric Duncan, chair of the North Glengarry Cenotaph Project (NGCP), presented the proposal to council on Monday, August 10.
The project would involve work at the Glengarry Soldiers Memorial in Alexandria, as well as the cenotaphs in Maxville and Apple Hill, and the community cenotaph in Dalkeith.
Duncan described the initiative as a “once in a generation project” intended to address decades of wear and neglect while making the sites more visible and accessible.
According to the proposal, the NGCP volunteer committee has consulted with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 423, which supports the project.
The committee is proposing that all four projects be completed together in 2027 to obtain better pricing on shared items such as interlock walkways, flagpoles, and lighting.
The largest portion of the work would take place at the Alexandria cenotaph. Plans include widening and replacing portions of the interlock pathway, replacing stones around the cenotaph with larger engravable stones, restoring and regrouting the cenotaph, cleaning the plaques, and refurbishing the two artillery guns. New lighting would also be installed, and the Township sign would be moved to the north edge of the property. Two or three benches could be added, depending on the available budget.
The Alexandria work is estimated at approximately $115,600 after HST recovery.
At the Maxville cenotaph, the pathway would be widened and replaced, while the cenotaph would be cleaned and refurbished. New lighting and two flagpoles are also proposed.
At the Apple Hill cenotaph, a “T” shaped interlock pathway would be installed, along with new lighting and two flagpoles, while the cenotaph would be refurbished and cleaned. The Dalkeith monument would receive a railing along its steps.
The committee plans to raise funds toward the estimated $155,000 to $165,000 cost through three applications to the Veterans Affairs Canada Community War Memorial Program, which can provide up to $25,000 in matching funding for each project.
It also plans to sell engraved interlocking stones for $150 each at the Alexandria, Maxville, and Apple Hill sites. Purchasers would receive a tax receipt of approximately $125 through the Township.
The committee is asking North Glengarry for a one-time $35,000 contribution in the 2027 budget. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 423 has committed another $35,000, with additional community donations to be sought.
Duncan said fundraising would take place throughout 2026 and early 2027, with construction beginning in spring 2027 and completion targeted for summer. Separate public rededication ceremonies would then be held at each site.
Council did not hold a formal vote or make a binding decision on the proposal during the meeting. Instead, councillors expressed strong support in principle for the project and discussed the requests as a roadmap for council and the incoming administration.
These requests include the potential $35,000 municipal contribution, allowing the project to conduct banking through the Township, having the Township act as the lead applicant for Veterans Affairs Canada funding, relocating signage at the Alexandria site, and establishing a reserve 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 called it an “incredible initiative” and said it was something North Glengarry should take pride in.
Councillor Brian Caddell also spoke in support of the engraved-stone campaign, saying he planned to purchase three in memory of family members who served during the First and Second World Wars.
