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PRESENTATION BY HONOURARY COLONEL JAMIE MASSIE REGARDING THE BORDEN LEGACY PROJECT.
Honourary Colonel Jamie Massie provided a presentation on the Borden Legacy Project. He provided City Council with information on the history of Base Borden, the Base's role and impact in the community and plans for the Base's 100 year celebrations. He introduced Major John Fisher of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters who was in attendance and assisting him with the presentation. Colonel Massie described historic significance of the Honourary Colonel, indicating his primary role is to build relations between the community and the regiment. He provided details on recent initiatives at the Base related to proposed and completed infrastructure improvements funded through the Federal Government.
Colonel Massie displayed a model of the centennial memorial wall that will be built at the entrance of Base Borden to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Colonel Massie highlighted events, ceremonies and celebrations planned for 2015 and 2016 in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Base Borden including construction of the wall and monument, a trip to Arras, France to attend ceremonies of remembrance and receive soil from Vimy Ridge as a symbolic representation of the DNA of the over 3900 soldiers who fought in the World Wars. He advised that repatriation ceremonies are planned in Arras, France, Barrie and at Borden when the soil is brought back to Canada. He noted the significance of being able to bring this soil back to Canada and that it will be encapsulated in the memorial wall at Base Borden. Colonel Massie advised that Mayor Lehman will be travelling to Arras, France with the Base Borden representatives to participate in the ceremonies.
Colonel Massie provided details about the Borden Legacy Project monument including details of the individual components and inscriptions to be included on the pieces. He observed that acclaimed local artist Marlene Hilton Moore has designed the monument and described her credentials.
Colonel Massie highlighted other events that are planned including a Freedom of the City Parade that will be part of the 100th anniversary celebrations.
In closing, Colonel Massie indicated that planning for the 100th anniversary events is proceeding well and that he hopes that the monument and events will motivate and inspire those who train at Base Borden.
Members of Council asked several questions of Colonel Massie and received responses.