End-of-Season Reports from the Fort York Guard

The squad of the Fort York Guard completed another wonderful summer. Led by Lieutenant Keiko Twist and Sergeant Mike Ramsey, the squad performed daily at the fort to the delight of all present. It also made trips to Fort Erie and Presqu’ile Point Provincial Park to participate in reenactments, and received praise ad infinitum. The only blemish upon a perfect summer was the cancellation of the annual inter-fort drill competition due to the Parks Canada labour situation, which prevented the guard from capturing its unprecedented fourth-straight championship. However, thanks to the tireless work of its members, and the unending support from the Friends of Fort York, rest assured that next year’s squad shall claim the championship again.

The Fort York Fife and Drum Corps also had a great season. Not only was the weather quite favourable for the men and women in uniform, but Soldaten Kameraden (soldiers comrades) has been cohesive. Three new musicians were added this summer: Kevin Hurley, our base drummer, and Ian Biggar and Steve Barabash, two of our fifers. As well, Ned Gallagher, who has spent four summers volunteering and working with the Corps was recognized as ‘chosen-man’. Though not an official rank, the title recognized his exemplary and diligent service.

Unfortunately the Drums had only one opportunity over the summer to perform outside Fort York. However, our one trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village was a great success and the audience there most appreciative. Thanks go to the Black Creek staff and volunteers, especially Geri Smith, Special Events Coordinator, for facilitating our visit and providing such lovely accommodations and hospitality. We hope to return to Black Creek again in the future.

Congratulations to Our Friends in Parliament

The recent federal election saw several people who have a special interest in Fort York elected or re-elected to Parliament. We offer congratulations to Tony Ianno, returned as MP for Trinity-Spadina, to John Godfrey who will continue to represent Don Valley West, and to Jack Layton who enters the House as MP for Toronto-Danforth.

Fort York is located within Trinity-Spadina, and its MP, Tony Ianno, has always shown interest in the fort, particularly the applications made by the Friends for grants in support of the Fort York Guard. Also, for several years he has attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Strachan Avenue Cemetery. Besides continuing to represent his constituents, he will now sit in Cabinet as Minister of State for Families and Caregivers.

John Godfrey’s interest in the fort can be traced to 1994 when, in the midst of the controversy surrounding City Council’s adoption of a Part II plan for the area, John pulled up at the main gate on his bicycle to tour the site and get a better understand things for himself. He will hold down the important portfolio in the Martin Cabinet of Minister of State for Communities and Infrastructure.

Jack Layton, as a former Toronto City Councillor, always supported the Friends’ positions in Council, notably in urging reductions in the impact of new development south of Fort York Boulevard. Although his duties as Leader of the NDP will not allow him to be involved as much with local issues in future, we will count on the depth of his understanding of fort-related matters if the opportunity arises for him to speak out in Parliament on behalf of the site.