Popular park reopens as bigger space for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Mississauga

A south Mississauga park and popular site for Remembrance Day ceremonies will officially reopen to the public this Saturday complete with a new look and greater accessibility for all residents.

Vimy Park, known prior to 2017 as Cenotaph Park, is located just off Stavebank Road in Port Credit and now features several improvements that maintain the site’s heritage significance, increase accessibility and enhance the memorial space for local events and commemorative ceremonies, City of Mississauga officials say.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the Sept. 23 reopening, which takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. at the park, which houses the Port Credit Cenotaph.

Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko said he’s quite impressed with the revamped park, describing it as “stunning.”

“Very seldom do you see drawings (of upgrades) on a computer and then see that it’s even better in real life, but that’s the case here. It looks fantastic,” Dasko said at Wednesday morning’s meeting of general committee.

“And it’s also now very accessible for all,” he added, noting that a gradual incline/slope in the park area has replaced what used to be steps.

The Port Credit Cenotaph at Vimy Park in Mississauga. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

Mississauga officials note the improvements to the park, which hosts Remembrance Day ceremonies each November, are significant and include:

• new walkways and upgrades to existing connections
• new site furnishings such as benches
• pedestrian lighting improvements
• enhancements to existing planting
• expansion of the existing plaza for events
• minor repairs to the cenotaph

The park, formerly known as Cenotaph Park, was renamed six years ago to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Seven soldiers from the Port Credit area were wounded and one died in that First World War battle, according to Mississauga officials.

“Vimy Ridge is viewed as a defining moment in Canadian history and the beginning of the country’s evolution from dominion to an independent nation,” city officials noted.

The cenotaph itself was built in 1925 in memory of the 32 Port Credit men who lost their lives during World Ward I. In 1984, the property was designated under the terms of the Ontario Heritage Act.

The cenotaph is used as a gathering place on Remembrance Day and throughout the year on battle anniversary dates such as the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9) and D-Day (June 6).

Those who plan to attend Saturday’s official park reopening are asked to park at Port Credit Memorial Park or the Port Credit Library.