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Press Release - Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240 Almonte
Branch 240 Almonte of the Royal Canadian Legion will be doing some renovations at the Almonte Cenotaph in the coming weeks. The Almonte Cenotaph was erected in 1923, in honour of our Veterans. Branch 240 Almonte would like it to last another 100 years.
It has come to the Branch’s attention that a name has been missed from the First World War, George B. Monterville. George was a veteran of the Great War who succumbed to his injuries shortly after returning home. He enrolled at the outset of the war and spent its entirety overseas; much of it in the trenches. He was injured numerous times, but he eventually died of injuries to his lungs, caused by gas. Although George would die within a year after returning home, he's listed in the Almonte Gazette (August 1, 1919) as an executive member with the Great War Veterans Association, making him one of the first executive members of what is now the Almonte Legion.
It is likely that George's name was not added to the memorial as his grave, managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is in Almonte. However, his cause of death was due to "war circumstances" and as such, his name is memorialized within the book of remembrance, housed at the Peace Tower.
Branch 240 Almonte will cover all costs of having a company come in to clean the Cenotaph of all the tarnish covering the limestone, add the name of George B. Monterville, and repaint the existing names on the Cenotaph.
To prepare for this project, Branch 240 Almonte consulted with two arborists – Allan Goddard and Thomas Lowry – regarding the Norway Maple, which stands to the right of the Cenotaph (looking from Bridge Street). Their assessment determined the tree is a public safety hazard and recommended its removal. The following is Thomas Lowry’s assessment:
“I have assessed the tree and have found it to be a possible hazard due to a number of defects. Notably the following:
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Roots – Compacted soil, stem girdling, mechanical damage.
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Trunk – Codominant leaders, including bark, spiral cracking, dead/missing bark.
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Crown and branches – Spiral cracking, codominant leaders, including bark, unbalanced crown, dead branches.
Due to these defects, there is a risk to the public and property because of the location. Actions may include pruning or removal of the Norway Maple. I am recommending removal and replacement with another species based on the potential of failure due to the noted defects and public safety, as it is located in a high occupancy zone.”
Branch 240 Almonte believes in the importance of tree conservation, as seen at the Veterans Memorial Walkway between Perth Street and Bridge Street, where hundreds of Red Maples were planted. Our goal is to replace the existing Norway Maple with a new tree after the renovations are complete. We will consult with an arborist to determine the best location.
In accordance with the Municipality’s Tree Policy, the Director of Roads and Public Works has given approval for the removal of the tree.
The Project
Local Contractor Pat Richards of Richcon Homes has approached the Branch regarding re-designing the walkway up to the Cenotaph. This will include removing the existing cement walkway and flowerbeds.
The new design will have raised flowerbeds similar to the one at the Veterans Memorial Walkway (also designed and built by Richcon Homes) this will include wide paths on front and back of the flowerbeds that will be wheelchair accessible. They will also be creating a new flowerbed on the hill (beside the Rail Trail) in the shape of a poppy. This flowerbed will allow for the transplant of the existing tulips that are planted now. And will be an added attraction to the site. The cost of this part of the renovation will be covered by Mr. Richards and Richcon Homes at no cost to taxpayers.
Timeline for the renovations:
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April 15: Tree removal and cleanup.
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April 16-19: Cleaning of the Limestone, adding of the name (if weather permits).
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April 22-26: Removal of existing cement work and transplant of tulips. Start the re-construction.
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April 29-May 3: Finish the re-construction and final touches.
Rob Madore
Legion President
Branch 240 Almonte
