It was a blustery, cold day but, in a moving ceremony, on Friday, November 8th (2024), Legion members, political officials and community members gathered for a memorable sign unveiling in Walkerton.
It was the official designation of Bruce County Road 19 as the “Highway for Peace”, in tribute to the 160th Bruce Battalion that fought in the First World War (the Great War).
The 160th Bruce Battalion, part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, had some 1,200 young men from throughout Bruce County sign up, many of them mere teenagers.
On June 3, 1916, the Battalion marched the 16 miles on Bruce Road 19, from Walkerton to Chesley, to receive the official Battalion Colours and Banner in a ceremonial presentation by then-Ontario Premier William Hearst. Then, two days later on June 5th, the young soldiers again marched along Bruce Road 19 to return to Walkerton.
The 160th departed on June 12 for Halifax and, on October 17th, they boarded the S. S. Metagama for training in England, and then an eventual arrival at the war front in Belgium and France.
More than 100 of them, who died are named on cenotaphs throughout Bruce County and hundreds more returned with life changing wounds.
Historian G. William (Bill) Streeter, familiar with Bruce County Road 19 and its historical connection with the 160th Battalion, recently brought a presentation to Bruce County Council asking to designate the road as the ‘Highway for Peace’. “I was driving along Bruce Road 19 when it suddenly struck me of what it should be, a highway for peace in honour of the 160th Battalion. When I got home to Southampton, I immediately sat down and wrote out my delegation to Bruce County Council and presented it in May.”
Council unanimously approved the designation and, in time for Remembrance Day 2024 on Monday, November 11th, the commemorative signage was officially unveiled at the special ceremony on-site in Walkerton.
For larger view, click on image
The signs have been installed at the entrances of Bruce Road 19 in both Walkerton and Chesley and approximately every eight kilometres in both directions along the road, marking the historic journey of the 160th Bruce Battalion.
“Thank you to Mr. Streeter, whose passion brought this project to County Council, and the staff and Bruce County Museum who work with such passion and community-spirit to preserve the significant history and culture of Bruce County,” said Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody. “With this memorial designation, we honour the sacrifices and contributions of the 1,200 young soldiers of the 160th Bruce Battalion, who helped shape Bruce County into what it is today and we will remember them.”
MP Ben Lobb also thanked Streeter and the Bruce County Museum. “The Museum has done a fantastic job capturing the history of the County and remembering those who fought in wars over the years. Young students in school need that education and the Museum provides that history. This designation today will be a lasting memory of those who served.”
“Today matters,” said MPP Lisa Thompson. “I thank Bill Streeter for sharing his passion about this designation and working to ensure that we will all benefit from it over the years.”
“Walkerton is an amazing community that cares and today demonstrates that,” added Thompson, “and it’s important that everyone remembers, not just today but 365 days a year, that these young men went to war and our true North is strong and free because of them.”
Nayaashiiniamiing Chief Greg Nadjiwon told of his relatives who had fought in many wars, beginning with the War of 1812, including in Italy’s the Battle of Ortona and in Korea. “I am the son of two veterans and my mother served in the Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The Royal Canadian Legion has honoured Aboriginal veterans and their ancestors for their essential military contributions in times of war.”
District ‘C’ Commander of the Royal Canadian Legion, Dean Weir, explained that there are 
49 branches of the Legion in Bruce County. “We have three Legion zones with 13 branches in each still operating. For instance, Chelsey branch is 95 years old, Walkerton 93 years and Paisley 85 years. We will never forget those who fought and will always remember them.”
For more information about Bruce County Veterans, visit www.bruceremembers.org.
For more information about Remembrance Day services with your local Royal Canadian Legion, visit www.legion.ca.
