Town proclamation and parade mark regimental roots in Whitby
The Town of Whitby has officially proclaimed July 18 as The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Day, and the regiment will mark the occasion with a public parade beginning at Civic Park. The 166-year history of the unit, which traces its origins to the Volunteer Rifle Company of Whitby formed in 1860, will be central to the observance.
Members of the regiment will muster at Civic Park at 9 a.m. and the public event begins at 10:30 a.m. The march will cover roughly 4.5 kilometres and conclude near the police station on Taunton Road at about noon, with ceremonial volleys planned at points along the route.
- Muster: Civic Park — 9 a.m.
- Public start: 10:30 a.m.
- Route length: approximately 4.5 km
- Finish: Police station, Anderson Road / Taunton Road area — noon
The route will proceed east on Rossland Road from Civic Park, continue north on Garden Street and then east to the police station on Taunton Road. The regiment has invited residents to line the route to show support.
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Civic Park | Regimental muster |
| 10:30 a.m. | Rossland Road (start) | Parade begins |
| ~12:00 p.m. | Police station, Taunton Road | Finish |
The Queen’s Own Rifles were renamed in 1866 when they became affiliated with the Ontario Regiment in Oshawa. The unit most recently took part in a joint exercise with the Ontario Regiment at the Oshawa Executive Airport on June 13–14, called Exercise Paratus Rendezvous.
"We are deeply honoured by this recognition,"
The regiment circulated that message on its social channels in inviting the community to join the celebration. The parade includes traditional ceremonial volleys at designated points along the march.
The town's proclamation and the public parade highlight Whitby’s longstanding connection to the regiment and provide a visible civic event for residents. The regiment also noted the recent death of Corporal George Beardshaw, described as the unit’s last surviving Second World War member; his funeral is scheduled to be held in London on Friday.
What residents should expect
Organisers ask people lining the route to respect marshals and any temporary traffic controls. The event is a civic celebration rather than a security incident; attendees are welcomed to observe from sidewalks along Rossland Road, Garden Street and Taunton Road.
This weekend’s activities will be the latest public recognition of a unit that has existed in continuous form since the mid-19th century and has taken part in every major Canadian military campaign since before Confederation.
