The All Sappers Memorial Park in Vedder Crossing, British Columbia was conceived by Lt-Col Coulson Norman Mitchell, VC, MC in 1945 when he was Commander of Camp Chilliwack. After a year of design and intense labour by Sappers, it was dedicated on 14 July 1946 to Sappers 'Everywhere' by His Excellency Viscount Alexander of Tunis, Governor General of Canada.
This memorial near the main entrance to Camp Chilliwack became the focal point of remembrance for the Canadian Military Engineer Family. Some 52 years later, upon the closure of Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack in 1998, Canada Lands Company was charged with disposing of the surplus Department of National Defence property. DND retained ownership of All Sappers Memorial Park and the Cenotaph, and All Sappers Memorial Park continued to be the focus of local memorial activities. Sap
pers had concerns, however, about DND's ability to maintain the Cenotaph in a condition that properly honoured the sacrifices of all Canadian and British Commonwealth Sappers. The challenge became even more significant in 2004 when developers proposed to enlarge the adjacent road intersection that could result in encroaching into All Sappers' Memorial Park.
A committee of the CFB Chilliwack Historical Society advised Canada Lands Company of its concerns on behalf of all Sappers. Canada Lands responded with a proposal not to disturb the cenotaph, to increase the land area, to beautify the grounds, and to respect the soil where ashes have been spread.
Canada Lands worked hard to revitalize and refurbish the site and return it to its former glory. The work included a significant re-design and a comprehensive re-landscaping of the surrounding park to vastly improve the visibility and the focus on the Cenotaph itself. Mr. Greg Smallenberg, renowned for his work at the Vimy Monument in France, was selected as the designer.
The work included stripping away the concealing cedar hedge, elevating the centre island, beautifying the landscape, adding soft lighting and signage, redirecting sidewalks into the site, and adding seating to invite visitors to sit and reflect. Ground was broken in June 2009, and GEMCO, the construction company that was given this trust, delivered the project on time and with high-quality workmanship that ensured the glory and integrity of the site well into the future.
Relatives of Lt-Col Mitchell were present in Vedder Crossing on 7 December 2009 to witness the re-dedication of the Cenotaph. Mrs. Frances Bailie (Lt Col Mitchell's daughter), her son Philip Beck and Mitchell's great-grandson, Liam Gleeson, were in attendance. Mrs Bailie's speech held the spectators spellbound, and the silence was maintained as the family laid a wreath in memory of their renowned relative. Our All Sappers Memorial site was given a new life. All Sappers Memorial Park will live and be respected in perpetuity as our national monument to 'Sappers Everywhere' who have paid the supreme sacrifice.