Windsor Boer War Memorial

Nominated for the Peter Stokes Restoration Award: Small-Scale/Individual/Small Business

The Boer War Memorial, originally erected in 1906, is one of Windsor’s oldest war memorials and a profound tribute to Canadian volunteers who served in the South African War (1899–1902). Funded by community-driven efforts—especially the Veteran’s Mother’s Committee—it honours residents whose names and battle service are etched into its stone.

Over its 100+ year life, the memorial underwent multiple relocations, reflecting the city’s changing urban landscape. Most recently, it was restored and re-dedicated in 2024, after decades of exposure and deterioration. This conservation effort brought forward several major challenges, including repairing aged and damaged stone, carefully removing and reinstalling existing pavers over a new drained granular base, replacing concrete walks and stairs, and performing extensive masonry interventions. Bronze Regimental plaques and a large, high relief commemorative panel were removed and conserved in the workshop and prepared for reinstallation with new mounting systems as part of the restoration scope. Due to the delicate historic fabric and the inclusion of veteran names and inscriptions, all work had to be approached with extreme precision and care. New electrical and drainage systems were installed to preserve the structure long term. Aquatic elements, such as a new fountain and a stone sculpture, were introduced to pay homage to its origins as a memorial fountain.

This restoration reinvigorated public connection to a long-overlooked piece of Canadian history. The work not only addressed decades of deterioration but also returned the memorial to its original purpose—a place of reflection, remembrance, and civic pride.

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