HMCS York Monument Design and Ongoing CNTP Initiatives
The modern-day CNTP monument located at HMCS York, encompasses a large circular concrete base, surrounded by fourteen interpretive panels showcasing original painted portraits of each featured officer and/or sailor. Located in the centre of the monument is an 80-foot flagpole, flying a very large Royal Canadian Naval Ensign. The notion is that the joined contributions of each honouree, has shaped the modern day Royal Canadian Navy, is symbolized by the flag’s location in the centre of the monument.
A mobility accessible concrete pathway leads visitors to the monument, and two larger informational panels, both in English and French, will be placed at its entrance. These larger panels will include an Informational panel that will explain the significance of the monument, and the second will list Major CNTP Donors by category (see CNTP Project Funding webpage). These panels will also encourage people to visit the CNTP’s website which, in addition to providing biographical information, there are personal accounts and stories that will boost Canadians interest, so they can develop an appreciation of the contributions each honouree has made, to both Canada as a country, and to Canadian Naval history.
The monument is accessible to the public during specific ceremonies and open-door recruitment drives, as it is clearly visible to passers by through the fence alongside the waterfront pathway. Additionally, the monument’s location is intended to help promote the Royal Canadian Navy’s presence in the City of Toronto. Plus, the very large RCN Ensign will also make HMCS York more visible to those passing by on Lakeshore Boulevard.
Ongoing CNTP Initiatives
Phase I: Construction at HMCS York of concrete walkway, base, and 80 ft. Flagpole – see photo below. Plus, original artwork for CNTP honouree portraits artwork is available for commemorative panels . Completed
Phase II: Installation of 14 commemorative panels featuring original CNTP Officer and Sailor portraits at monument – see photo below. And extensive honouree biographies listed on CNTP website. Completed
Phase III: Both the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Anita Anand PC, MP and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Angus Topshee CMM, MSM, CD spoke at an extensive CNTP unveiling Ceremony, located at HMCS York, on April 29, 2023. See CNTP Unveiling Ceremony web page for additional details/photos. Completed
After the ceremony in the photo was taken of (L to R) the inaugural Commanding Officer of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship HMCS William Hall, Commander Scott Kelemen CD, CNTP Portrait Artist Mr. Matthew Therrien, and the ship’s first Coxswain, CPO1 Brent Williamson CD, standing next to a copy of the portrait of CNTP honouree William Hall VC – see photo below. Completed
Phase IV: Original CNTP Officer and Sailor portraits to be framed and permanently displayed at Royal Canadian Naval Headquarters in Ottawa, located at the Carlton Campus. Below is a photo of Honorary Captain(N) Jeff Topping as he stands next to the CNTP informational panel and the fourteen original CNTP portraits, as they line the hallway to the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy’s office. Completed
Phase V: A framed original CNTP portrait of LCdr. Margaret Brooke, MBE was presented at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto, to Commander Teri Share CD, HMCS Margaret Brooke Commanding Officer and now it’s displayed onboard the ship – see photo below. Completed
Phase VI: Second set of Original CNTP Officer and Sailor portraits displayed at NDHQ, for all CAF members and visitors to Carlton Campus to engage with. Winter 2026
Phase VII: Distribution of Original CNTP Officer and Sailor Portraits and Informational Panel to be displayed across the country, at all twenty-four (24) Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Units. Throughout 2026
Phase VIII: Installation of a Main Informational Plaque and Major Donor List Plaque at CNTP monument, located at HMCS York. Fall 2026
Phase IX: A framed original CNTP portrait of Vice Admiral Harry DeWolf, will be presented to the Commanding Officer of HMCS Harry DeWolf, during the ‘2026 Great Lakes Tour’ to be displayed onboard the ship. Fall 2026
** Additionally, a continual phase, will be the upkeep of the monument updates to honouree biographies **