Lakeland Communities Honour Canada’s Veterans with Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Events in Bonnyville, St. Paul, Mallaig, Ashmont, and Lac La Biche pay tribute to those who served

Communities across the Lakeland are preparing to gather on November 11 for Remembrance Day, honouring the sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve Canada. From Bonnyville to Lac La Biche, ceremonies and poppy campaigns are bringing residents together in reflection and gratitude.

Bonnyville: A Day in Three Parts

The Bonnyville Branch 183 of the Royal Canadian Legion will host a full day of remembrance, with ceremonies taking place at three locations.
The first begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre, featuring the March on the Colours and participation from military personnel from 4 Wing Cold Lake. The service will include the singing of O Canada, a symbolic wreath-laying by Second World War veteran Willie MacGregor, and remarks from dignitaries.

At 11:45 a.m., the second phase will be held at the Legion building, where wreaths will be laid on behalf of various governments, organizations, and veterans’ groups, followed by refreshments.

The third and final ceremony takes place at 4:15 p.m. at the lakeshore cenotaph near the Catholic church. Candles will be lit in remembrance “at the going down of the sun,” honouring all who served Canada in conflict and peacekeeping missions.

St. Paul Region: Communities Come Together

In St. Paul, the Royal Canadian Legion will host its ceremony at the Recreation Centre starting at 10 a.m., preceded by a parade that passes the cenotaph — a symbol of respect for past and present Canadian Armed Forces members. The parade will feature local cadets, RCMP, CFB Cold Lake representatives, and community groups. The indoor service will follow at 10:30 a.m., with wreaths laid and two minutes of silence observed at 11 a.m.

In Mallaig, residents are invited to the Royal Canadian Legion ceremony beginning at 10:55 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. A contingent from CFB Cold Lake is expected to attend, and a soup and sandwich lunch will follow.

The Ashmont Legion will also hold its annual Remembrance Day ceremony, welcoming community members to honour those who gave their lives and those still serving today.

Lac La Biche: Honouring through the Poppy Campaign

In Lac La Biche, the McGrane Branch #28 of the Royal Canadian Legion has launched its annual Poppy Campaign, joined by the 2995 Lac La Biche Army Cadets who distributed poppies throughout the community. Funds raised support veterans and their families through designated assistance programs.

Poppy Campaigns Across the Lakeland

Bonnyville’s Legion has distributed approximately 200 poppy boxes to businesses, schools, and community spaces. Cadets from the 252 Huron Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps also helped distribute poppies and visited the Bonnyville extended care facility. The Legion is also selling wreaths, with proceeds directed to its veterans’ poppy fund — used exclusively to support veterans, not for Legion operations.

A Shared Moment of Reflection

From rural halls to lakeside cenotaphs, Remembrance Day in the Lakeland is more than tradition — it’s a collective promise to remember. Each ceremony, each poppy, and each moment of silence carries forward the legacy of Canada’s veterans, whose service secured the freedoms enjoyed today.

As communities across the region pause together at the eleventh hour, their message remains the same: We will remember them.