Many Canadians have family members who served in World War I and II as well as other wars since then. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, their service and sacrifices are not taken lightly.

The Cenotaph at the corner of Queen and King Streets in Old Town is a daily reminder of the freedom we enjoy as Canadians, thanks to the bravery and patriotism our veterans exhibited over the years. For that, we are forever grateful.

Every year on November 11, as a nation, we honour them with a few moments of silence at 11 a.m. 

A Poppy Path
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum chose to expand this annual ritual in 2021 by introducing the Niagara-on-the-Lake Poppy Project, headed by an energetic group of local volunteers. In 2022, the project was expanded to the Court House at 26 Queen Street in Old Town. Poppy wreaths adorned shop doors on Queen Street and poppy wraps draped lamp posts to create a “poppy path” from the Museum to the Court House. A fabric poppy garden at the Museum was expanded and soldiers’ names were added to these poppies.

In 2023, from November 2 to 13, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum on Castlereigh and the Court House Building at 26 Queen Street will once again be dressed in handmade poppies supplied by dedicated volunteers. The project is expanding to include two more nets of poppies at the Royal Canadian Legion on King Street and more poppy wreaths for shop windows along Queen Street.

A Fitting Tribute
STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake is proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply for our fallen and living heroes. Our only wish is that someday there will no longer be any need for anyone to go to war because freedom, peace and respect for the sacredness we see in each other will be the order of the day for all here at home and around the world. 

Until then, thank you to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum and all the volunteers who brought this project to fruition. We are humbled by your dedication to keep the memories of our veterans alive in our hearts. Our members praise and deeply appreciate all your efforts.

Some Poppy Stats
40+ volunteers
2,000 hours of hand labour
7,500+ poppies
19,000 zip ties
2,500 square feet of bird netting
200 feet of steel cabling
Days of laughter and remembrance