WHEREAS 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF);
WHEREAS the RCAF has helped preserve the freedoms of all Canadians, contributed to global peace and security, and to helped those in need in Canada and abroad; and
WHEREAS the RCAF provides air defence, maritime patrol, search and rescue, air mobility and sustainment, aerospace control, and space capabilities to support operations at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS the RCAF is a respected military partner worldwide, providing security at home through NORAD and working with our NATO allies and partners to maintain peace and stability across the globe; and
WHEREAS the City of Ottawa has been the location of important RCAF operations including CFB Rockcliffe, CFB Uplands, CFS Leitrim and other RCAF activities; and
WHEREAS RCAF aircraft and the RCAF aeronautical team Snowbirds have been a central and iconic feature of Ottawa’s Canada Day celebrations; and
WHEREAS the RCAF, as a national institution, has played a role in shaping Ottawa as a City, and forged its own place in the local story; and
WHEREAS it is fitting for the National Capital to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF; and
WHEREAS the City Archivist has access to a collection of local RCAF artifacts and photographs, an annual budget for important public displays, and supports commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF; and
WHEREAS the Ottawa Public Library has a collection of RCAF historical reading material;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the City Archivist develop and make available a temporary public display at Ottawa City Hall to commemorate the 100th anniversary as part of their 2024 annual programming; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a tree be planted in Claudette Cain Park in Riverside South as part of the planned 2024 tree planting program to commemorate the RCAF’s 100th anniversary and that an appropriate plaque be installed to commemorate this event with all costs related to the production and installation of the plaque be funded through the Ward 22 constituency services budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City Council request that the Ottawa Public Library Board consider publishing and promoting a curated list of RCAF readings or other media in both official languages from the library collection.