Whitby is preparing to celebrate The Queen Own Rifles of Canada Day Whitby with a special military parade on Saturday, July 18, honouring Canada’s longest continuously serving infantry regiment.
The Town of Whitby has officially proclaimed July 18 as The Queen Own Rifles of Canada Day Whitby, recognizing the regiment’s remarkable 166-year history and its lasting connection to the community. The celebration invites residents to line the parade route and take part in this significant historical event.
The festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m., with members of The Queen’s Own Rifles assembling at Civic Park before marching along Rossland Road, Garden Street, Taunton Road, and ending at the Durham Regional Police station on Anderson Road. Ceremonial rifle volleys will be performed at designated locations throughout the 4.5-kilometre route, adding to the tradition and pageantry of the event.
Originally established in 1860 as the Volunteer Rifle Company of Whitby, the regiment became The Queens Own Rifles in 1866 after joining the same brigade as the Ontario Regiment based in Oshawa. Since then, the regiment has served in every Canadian military campaign, making it one of the country’s most distinguished military units.
The regiment recently trained alongside the Ontario Regiment during Exercise Paratus Rendezvous at the Oshawa Executive Airport, further highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two military organizations.
In a public message, The Queens Own Rifles expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouraged residents to attend the celebration.
“Come out and celebrate with The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada as we mark this special day in a town that holds an important place in our regimental story.”
The The Queen Own Rifles of Canada Day Whitby parade offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate local history, military heritage, and the regiment’s enduring connection to Whitby and Durham Region.
