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The Fort York Guard is composed of a guard unit and a fife and drum corps. This year’s guard unit of 13 students was capably commanded by Philip Edwards and Mark Riches. Drum Major Ned Gallagher and Fife Major Nyomi Puil led the fife and drum corps of 6 students augmented by 6 of our youth volunteers aged 15 and under. Together they were able to field 25 in uniform for special occasions.
Throughout the city strike the Guard was unable to use Fort York as its base. Fortunately the Canadian Forces came to our rescue by allowing us to use the Fort York Armoury as a home for the duration of the strike. It was a unique experience for our students to train on an indoor parade square and to hear our fifes and drums resonate through that wonderful space. From this temporary abode the Guard traveled to a number of locations to promote Fort York and grow their skills as ambassadors for Toronto. They provided colour at the Big On Bloor Festival, performed at Black Creek Pioneer Village, enlivened the July 1 festivities at Harbourfront and spent almost a week parading and entertaining at the Distillery District. The guard unit drilled at the Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Brickworks. Once back at Fort York they traveled to Fort George where they barely missed taking first prize in the drill competition. And this year the Guard marched in the historical segment of the Warriors’ Day Parade which starts the CNE. Both the guard unit and the fife and drum corps won awards.
from this role this year and he will be missed. Most of all, we thank the students and volunteers in the Guard who worked hard to achieve excellence.
Fort York Guard performing musket drill on the parade ground at Fort York. (Courtesy of Mathew Blackett) In 2012 the celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will commence. Plans call for the Guard to grow to 30 students by that time to form two squads, allowing one squad to travel to out of town events while ensuring a constant presence at Fort York. This year we began a threeyear program to build our inventory of uniforms, musical instruments, muskets and equipment to support the expansion. This year’s acquisitions included seven muskets and two drums as well as additions to our supply of uniforms.
The Friends wish to recognize all those providing financial support to the Fort York Guard. We receive grants from the Culture Division of the City of Toronto, the Summer Jobs Program of Human Resources and The Young Canada Works Program. We thank all of the supporters of the Friends of Fort York, particularly the sponsors and supporters of the annual Georgian Dinner. All of the proceeds from the Georgian Dinner are devoted to the Fort York Guard. Our sponsors included The Bank of Montreal, Loblaws, Plazacorp (West Harbour City), Toronto Culture and Wittington Properties. And a special thanks goes to Edward Anderson who, as the city’s safety officer, has provided the safety training to the Guard for many years. Ed is stepping down
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