Centennial Grove Honouring Royal Canadian Air Force Opens in Sydney

A commemorative public planting project to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is now open to visitors.

The RCAF centennial grove in Sydney’s Open Hearth Park provides a space to honour the heritage, people and future of the air force. Today, November 21, John White, Minister of Housing and MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, joined other special guests on behalf of Barbara Adams, Minister responsible for Military Relations, for the ceremonial planting of the final tree.

“As a government, we understand the significance of our military history, and the important contributions they make to our society, economy and community,” said Minister White. “We are proud of the Nova Scotians who serve and pleased to help create a treasured space that can be enjoyed now and for future generations.”

The grove includes 100 trees and landscaping elements in the shape of a maple leaf to create a beautiful memorial space. Community members, local organizations and air cadets helped with planting.

It is one of seven centennial groves in Canada, a joint initiative of the RCAF and the Trees for Life charity. Last year, the Province provided $25,000 to Trees for Life to help fund the project. Build Nova Scotia has provided an in-kind contribution of the land at Open Hearth Park as well as future maintenance needs for the area.

Quotes:

“Generations of Canadians have served in the Royal Canadian Air Force with distinction over the past century. It has been an honour and privilege to have worked with so many amazing communities, planting trees in commemoration of all the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada, at home and abroad. The story of the Royal Canadian Air Force is one of courage and sacrifice that has shaped our nation’s history and heritage. Together, we honour our rich history, while also building towards a greener, more sustainable future that Canadians can enjoy in the centuries to come.”
— Capt. Aaron Niles, Royal Canadian Air Force

“Here at Open Hearth Park, you can really feel the pride and history that define the Royal Canadian Air Force. This grove is more than landscaping. It is a living tribute to the people who built the RCAF’s legacy and a hopeful marker of what the next century will bring. Communities across the country have embraced these groves and it is wonderful to see Cape Breton Regional Municipality become part of that story. Trees for Life is proud to help create a place that will grow and be enjoyed for generations.”
— Marina Dimitriadis, Executive Director, Trees for Life

“As President and CEO of the corporation that manages this spectacular community site, known as Open Hearth Park, and as a 31-year veteran of Canada’s armed forces, it is an honour to help unveil this special place in tribute to those whose service and sacrifice helped shape our communities. We respect, remember and are grateful for their service and that of their families and sincerely hope that every person who walks through here feels the legacy surround them.”
— David Benoit, President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the other six RCAF centennial groves are located in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ont.; Military Heritage Park, Barrie, Ont.; Downsview Park, Toronto, Ont.; A.D. Ross Park, Calgary, Alta.; RCAF Station Pennfield Ridge, Pennfield, N.B.; and at the Malcolm J. Darrach Community Centre, Charlottetown, P.E.I.; there could be more sites in the future
• Trees for Life is a nationally registered charity that works with partners to inspire, empower and mobilize community-led tree-planting initiatives nationwide
• Nova Scotia is home to Canada’s largest military base by population, Canadian Forces Base Halifax, and the second-oldest military airfield, 12 Wing Shearwater
• the RCAF officially marked 100 years of service as a distinct military element on April 1, 2024

Additional Resources:

RCAF centennial groves, a partnership with Trees for Life’s Trees for Heroes program: https://rcaf2024arc.ca/about-us/trees-for-heroes/

Trees for Heroes: https://www.treesforlife.ca/herotrees

Centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force 1924-2024: https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/campaigns/2024-centennial.html