Township invited to firefighter memorial unveiling

Submitted by Tish MacDonald

This is the first article in a series leading up to the Uxbridge Firefighters Memorial Statue and Garden Unveiling Ceremony, which is taking place on October 5, 2024.

If you’ve driven past the fire hall lately, you’ll have noticed that the normally well-groomed front lawn is well torn up, and you may have wondered what was happening. Construction has been going fast and furious on the creation of the Uxbridge Firefighters Memorial Statue and Garden, a project that has been at least six years in the making.

The history

Over their 150-year tenure, Uxbridge firefighters have dedicated their lives to serving the community. Many things have evolved and changed over the years, but what has not changed is the commitment of the firefighters to serve and protect the citizens of Uxbridge.

The project

Over the years, the Uxbridge firefighters discussed creating a memorial to fallen firefighters. With the relocation of the new fire station in 2017, the time was right to make the memorial a reality. In 2018, Uxbridge’s town council endorsed the project, an artist and landscape designer were selected, and a model maquette was created. A key partnership was formed with the Uxbridge- Scott Historical Society, which fully supported a Canadian Heritage Grant application, and has allowed for donations to be received and appropriately receipted.

Fundraising was just hitting its stride when, in 2020, the onset of COVID-19 caused a delay. When the project was relaunched in 2022, the community responded positively. Many personal and business donations came in, and many funds were raised through a raffle, run in partnership with the Rotary Club of Uxbridge. Approval of the Canada Heritage Grant allowed us to achieve our fundraising goals.

The memorial

The memorial honours the dedication of those who have served, are serving, or will serve on the Uxbridge Fire Department - and to acknowledge the toll that service can take. The garden plaza will be a place for quiet reflection, and the centerpiece of the memorial will be a life-size bronze statue. The individual castings around the base of the statue are symbols of the history of the local fire service.

The design partners

Renowned local artist Tyler Briley has captured the dedication, determination and weight of a life of service. A retired Scarborough firefighter himself, and mental health advocate, Tyler Briley’s many works depict military and emergency service.

Former Uxbridge firefighter Adam Hoover of Stewart C. McElroy and Associates created the design for the project.

The partnerships

The Uxbridge Firefighters Memorial Project Committee is thankful for the support of the Uxbridge Firefighters Association, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society, the Township of Uxbridge, the Rotary Club of Uxbridge and our MANY community partners and donors.

Next week: a sneak peek at the plans for the memorial and garden.