Dawson Creek plans major cenotaph renewal to honour veterans year-round

The aging cenotaph outside Dawson Creek city hall — built in 1959 to honour soldiers from the First and Second World Wars — is set for a major transformation. A community-led committee has begun work on reimagining the memorial as a modern plaza that celebrates the full legacy of local veterans from both wartime and peacekeeping missions.

“If you want larger numbers to come and remember, which is the whole purpose, then having the space to do it is necessary,” said Nathan Bauder, an Armed Forces member and reservist who chairs the revitalization committee. “A place where everybody can congregate, I think, is really critical for this project.”

Over the decades, Dawson Creek’s cenotaph has weathered northern frost and time. The stone and mortar are cracked, the foundation is crumbling, and space for gatherings is limited — leaving crowds to spill onto the narrow sidewalk each Remembrance Day. Accessibility is also a challenge, particularly for seniors and those using mobility aids.

Bauder said the renewed site should include something the current one lacks: the names of local soldiers who served and sacrificed.

“Those who did serve were the foundation of the community, from farming areas all around, not just the city of Dawson Creek,” he said. “Those families are still here. Their descendants are still here. We don’t know who they are if we don’t have their names.”

City councillor Kyle MacDonald, who sits on the committee, said Dawson Creek has committed funds to begin consultations, design, and planning. The grounds around city hall offer ample space to create a plaza that’s accessible, educational, and inviting.

“It is time now for something new, something bigger, something better,” MacDonald said. “Something that does a better job of recognizing the valuable members of the South Peace that have served in major conflicts, have served in peacekeeping missions, and have given so much.”

Dawson Creek’s military history runs deep — it’s best known as Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, the massive wartime engineering project that connected Canada and the U.S. during the Second World War.

Bauder envisions a redesigned memorial that reflects that history and looks to the future — a public plaza large enough for ceremonies and school visits, yet peaceful enough for quiet reflection. Possible features include QR codes linking to veteran stories, tributes to Indigenous and Métis veterans, and displays honouring service animals used in wartime.

“With better lighting and trees and interpretive plaques, youth can come here with their teachers,” Bauder said. “Many people visit our Alaska Highway monument — they should come and see our plaza, our park, our tribute to those who were the foundation of the community.”

The committee will spend the next year collecting stories and design ideas from residents, veterans, and historians across the South Peace. It’s also seeking funding partnerships with the Peace River Regional District and hopes to involve local artisans in crafting the new monument — ensuring the renewed cenotaph reflects both the past and present spirit of Dawson Creek.