Media Advisory: Mystery Solved: First Ever Toronto Historic Plaque Found in
Time to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy

TORONTO, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - Missing for over 20 years, the historic plaque marking the original location of The Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) in Toronto, has been found. Under the watch of the Naval Reserve's 'marching of the colours', Toronto's No. 1 designated plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. Join representatives of the City of Toronto, Heritage Toronto, Scotiabank and HMCS York at Scotia Plaza, the site of the former RCNVR training facility, to celebrate the recovery and restoration of this important piece of Toronto history and to honour the volunteers of the Canadian Naval Reserve.

    
    What:  Unveiling and rededication of two plaques-one over 40 years old,
           one new - to honour the first location of The Royal Canadian Naval
           Volunteer Reserve in Toronto

    When:  10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 3, 2010

    Where: Scotia Plaza -South Forecourt Entrance
           40 King Street West
           Toronto, Ontario
           (King Street Entrance)

    Who:   Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Joe Pantalone
           Peter Ortved, Board Chair of Heritage Toronto
           Commanding Officer-HMCS York, Commander Matthew Davies
           Naval Reserve Historian, Commander (Ret'd) Fraser McKee
           Scotiabank Senior Vice President, Toronto Region, John Doig

    Why:   Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy, this
           ceremony will mark the first place in Toronto where citizen's were
           recruited and trained by the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer
           Reserve. The rededication of the long missing historic plaque both
           celebrates the recovery and restoration of an important piece of
           Toronto's history and preserves the legacy of the men and women
           who have volunteered to serve their country in the naval reserves.
    

About Heritage Toronto - Heritage Toronto works with the citizens of Toronto to advocate for, preserve, and promote a greater appreciation for our city's rich heritage. Through partnerships with local community groups and volunteers, Heritage Toronto works to heighten awareness of our shared history by providing city-wide programs and services. Programs include free neighbourhood walking tours, the annual Heritage Toronto Awards and William Kilbourn Memorial Lecture, our downloadable iTours program, Building Storeys, our heritage photography exhibit, a heritage plaques and markers program and participation in Doors Open Toronto.

About HMCS YORK - York is one of twenty four Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada. The mission of the Naval Reserve is to generate sailors to support and sustain Canadian Forces operations both at home and abroad. York has over 225 members, many of whom serve their country while concurrently maintaining active civilian careers or full-time studies. Members volunteer for deployment and full-time job opportunities with the Canadian Forces. Since 1923, tens of thousands of YORKers have served across Canada and around the world in a variety of war- and peace-time roles, including, most recently in peace-keeping operations, support to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; and with the Canadian Forces missions in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Visit us at www.navy.forces.gc.ca/navres

About Scotiabank - Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com

For further information: Deborah Clark, Scotiabank Public Affairs, 416-933-0646, [email protected] or Rebecca Carson, Heritage Toronto, 416-338-1339, [email protected]