More than 70 new memory stones were added to the Pathway of Memories in front of the Ontario Provincial Police General Headquarters building in Orillia Monday.
The official dedication of the 77 stones took place in the centre of the circular drive around the Memorial Avenue facility where dignitaries and guests gathered despite rainy weather.
Each brick-shaped stone is laid in memory of current and former OPP members, volunteers and their families as well as to honour groups that have contributed to the OPP’s efforts; each is inscribed with a unique message about the honouree.
Many of those families who donated a stone this year were in attendance, along with OPP executives, including OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
Carrique noted the name of the memorial has been updated to the Pathway of Memories and Milestones with the inclusion of the word milestones, encompassing groups and organizations that have contributed to the OPP’s history and legacy in some way.
Carrique noted the name change was “...to ensure we are ever committing to the future while remembering the past.”
The commissioner said the stones and the names engraved on them are a way to “…never forget and we will always admire...those who continue to make a difference every day, those who have retired and left a legacy for all of us to try and uphold, and programs we have so much passion for.”
Terri McCormack, the strategic communications advisor for OPP corporate communications bureau, said the ceremony is an important one.
“Over and above the donors and recipients, the ceremony is also a great opportunity for other current, retired and volunteer members of the OPP family to gather, see the new engraved stones for the first time and see new and familiar faces," said McCormack.
Sgt. Stan Wesley, a member of the OPP Indigenous Policing Bureau and member of Attiwapiskat First Nation, performed a smudging ceremony at Monday's event.
Sarah Hunter whose family purchased a memory stone this year in honour of her mom and stepdad, who are both recently retired OPP sergeants. said this year's honourees deserve recognition.
"Time is our most valuable asset, and those who dedicate it to their profession and making a difference in the lives of others deserve to be celebrated," said Hunter.
"We each have the opportunity to define our legacy, and my mom and stepdad left behind remarkable ripples of compassion, care, and integrity through their work. Honouring them reminds me of the lasting impact we can all strive to create in our lives," said Hunter.
Monies raised through the purchase of memory stones go to the OPP Youth Foundation, a volunteer organization that dedicates funds to Ontario youth in need of positive life experiences and opportunities they would otherwise not have, such as bursaries and youth camps.
"The OPP Youth Foundation does incredible work, and this felt like a fitting organization through which to honour their contributions.”
With the addition of the 77 stones this year, it brings the total to 633 stones embedded in the memorial, which was unveiled in April of 2017.
Now enhanced with hedges and a bench, the pathway features an upright marker stone recognizing the names embedded in the ground.
You can experience it yourself as it is open for the public on the terrace of the front lawn at GHQ, located at 777 Memorial Ave.
