Government of Canada RCAF 100 photo.
Brighton is working on a special project to honour the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 100 years of service.
Recognizing this is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to celebrate and inspire Canadians to honour those who’ve served and members of the RCAF for their unrelenting dedication through the decades, Brighton council didn’t hesitate to sign on as the proposal made its way to the table in council chambers at council’s latest meeting.
Council approved the “RCAF 100 crosswalk” as a way to join in ongoing celebrations and, ultimately, as a commemoration project of the RCAF Centennial.
Mayor Brian Ostrander says once the project is complete, there will be a celebration — an unveiling/opening of the crosswalk — where the community will be invited, alongside 8 Wing/CFB Trenton representatives.
The project/celebration will recognize the contributions made by Canadians of the RCAF, reads a staff report on the proposal.
The approved location is the intersection of Division Street North and Main Street.
“The centennial represents a unique opportunity to celebrate this milestone with all Canadians,” staff told council, ahead of approvals.
According to staff, the municipality will engage a regional company to do the painting of the crosswalk. Costs are estimated at nearly $5000, net of HST rebate.
April 1 of this year officially marked 100 years of service for the RCAF as a distinct military element.
Celebrations have been ongoing and will continue this year with the hopes of inspiring Canadians “to take ownership of their Air Force.”
According to the Government of Canada, the nation’s Air Force will be showcased in a past, present and future context, highlighting contributions to national safety and security, international peace, and global stability.
The RCAF 2024 website is described as the central hub for information about the centennial.
Online, people can also “fly back in time” with a 100-year interactive timeline and find more information about upcoming events as commemorative celebrations continue.
The timeline with options for a fly back in time by event, or a “fly back in time with our aircraft,” showcases the RCAF’s evolution through memorable milestones and moments, through aircrafts and people who have helped build the RCAF as it stands today.
As previously reported, the RCAF 2024 team has been working at curating a year-long program that includes international, national and regional events, from a run and gala to air shows across the nation, and more.
And the Quinte International Air Show — with plans to make this the best show ever — is on the horizon, set for June 29 and 30.
There’s no confirmation on timelines for the project as of yet.
We have asked the municipality about timelines for this project and are waiting on a response.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
