Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Wartime/Victory Neighbourhoods

On May 8, 2010 we will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of VE Day.

Between 1941 and 1947, the Wartime Housing Corporation (later CMHC) built over 30,000 homes for munitions workers and returning veterans and their families.  The architecture continued and there is an estimated one million Victory Homes still standing in Canada.  Here in St. Catharines we have many Victory neighbourhoods, for example, the Carlton /Sandown/Doncaster/Ascot area; Grantham Ave/QEW/Welland Ave/Bartlett Ave; Western Hill and Ker/Hazel/Willow.

The men who served and returned home are considered by many to be the greatest generation.  Individually and as a group they played a key role in building of the city, the province and the country.  Their homes, while simple in design when compared to other heritage buildings, are an important link to a generation and a troubled time in our history.

To celebrate the 65th anniversary, the St. Catharines Heritage Committee will be marking the anniversary with some commemorative projects.  The details are currently being finalized but possible projects include: a brochure/driving tour; a plaque marking one of the neighbourhoods; and a website that features the brochure content and also allows past and present residents to share their memories of their neighbourhoods. 

Here is a map of the  neighbourhoods: 
View Larger Map

I'd love to hear from anyone who lived, grew up in or has memories of our wartime/victory neighbourhoods.

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