About & History
The origin of Peacekeepers Parks and the story of those it honours.
A Park Born from
Dedication & Community
In 2008, this land was leased from the Township of Essa by the Gerry Tremblay, CD, Central Ontario Chapter, Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. A solid granite commemorative stone was imported from Pakistan and a maple leaf carved into its face in honour of all who served in peace.
Peacekeepers Park is dedicated to the 160,000+ Canadians who have served on United Nations sanctioned missions since 1947. The park stands near Canadian Forces Base Borden, a fitting location to honour the military service of Simcoe County residents.
The stone path was installed in 2016 and is lined with 18 mounted pedestals which detail the 59 United Nations missions since 1949. The first eight plaques describe peacekeeping and peacemaking missions, while the last 10 depict aid and observer missions.
Park Facts
What's in the Park
Granite Commemorative Stone
Imported from Pakistan with a maple leaf carved into its face, dedicated to all who served in peace.
Stone Path & 18 Pedestals
Installed in 2016, detailing all 59 UN missions since 1949 across peacekeeping, peacemaking, aid, and observer roles.
Buffalo Nine Memorial
Honouring the nine Canadians lost on August 9, 1974 — the largest single-day loss during peacekeeping.
Bringing Their Faces Into The Light
Walls mounted with renditions and short biographies of the faces of the fallen.
Lynx Reconnaissance Vehicle
Donated in part by Canadian Forces Base Borden. A historic military vehicle on permanent display.
LAV III Monument
The white Light Armoured Vehicle III, dedicated to recognizing service in Afghanistan and UN missions.
Wall of Honour
Recognizing Canadian forces members who served with distinction.
Korea Missions Plaque
Documenting UNTcOK, UNSK (472 fatalities), and UNCMAC (44 fatalities) from 1947–1956.
United Nations Guard Post
A recreation of a typical UN peacekeeping guard post used in international missions.
Canada Begins Peacekeeping
Canada participates in United Nations sanctioned missions continuously from 1947 to present — over 78 years of service by 2026.
Tragedy of Buffalo 461
Nine Canadians killed when their UN transport aircraft was shot down over Syria — the largest single-day loss of Canadian lives during peacekeeping.
Park Land Leased
Land leased from Township of Essa by Gerry Tremblay, CD, Central Ontario Chapter CAVUNP. Granite stone imported from Pakistan.
Stone Path Installed
18 pedestals installed along the path, detailing all 59 United Nations missions since 1949.
50th Anniversary — Buffalo 461
Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the tragic loss of nine Canadian peacekeepers on August 9, 1974.
They Shall Grow Not Old Project Launch
"Elbows Up, Simcoe County in 2026" — The Remembrance Project expands the park to honour living veterans of Simcoe County with 40 two-sided walls.
Remember the Flight of Buffalo 461
On August 9, 1974, nine Canadians were killed after the plane they were aboard, flying over Syria, was shot down. To date, it is considered the largest single-day loss of Canadian lives during a peacekeeping mission.
"They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old; After the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them."
1948 – 2026
Canadian Contribution to
the United Nations
On the 78th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping, Canada has participated continuously since 1948 on multiple international missions serving in the Pacific Region, South East Asia, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Caribbean & Central America.
Over 125,000 Canadians have answered the call in the service of peace.
Korea Missions
on the Plaque
| Mission | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UNTcOK | 1947–1948 | United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea |
| UNSK | 1950–1953 | 472 fatalities |
| UNCMAC | 1953–1956 | 44 fatalities |
Park Collaborators
This park is the result of a collaboration between:
Lest We Forget