Remembering the Battle of Kapyong

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/05/2019 (2571 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Sat., June 22 at 10 a.m., a public ceremony will be held to dedicate the newly re-constructed Kapyong Park and all are welcome to attend. 

The park is located at the corner of Ness Avenue and Amherst Street and has been under renovation for the last two years. The updated design commemorates the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) who fought in the Battle of Kapyong during the Korean War. 

The battle was an important conflict in the Korean War (1950-1953). On April 24, 1951, Canadian soldiers from 2PPCLI, along with United Nation forces from Australia and Britain, took up positions to halt the advancement of enemy troops. Approximately 700 members of 2PPCLI were dug into Hill 677 overlooking the Kapyong River valley. Outnumbered seven-to-one, the mission of the 2PPCLI soldiers was to stop the progress of the Communist army, whose sights were set on Seoul, Korea. Though surrounded on every side, the Canadians fought valiantly, successfully repelling waves of attack until ultimately staving off the Communist army’s advance.  

Today, there are three veterans of the Battle of Kapyong remaining in Manitoba. I believe it is important that our community remember their sacrifice and service in this historic battle. Therefore in 2016 I launched an initiative to rename and renovate the city park at the corner of Ness and Amherst in honour of the Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kapyong. The project has taken three years and has received tremendous support from city council, the Canadian Forces, Korean-Canadian and broader St. James communities.

The park’s beautiful design tells the story of the battle and the sacrifice made by Canadians to uphold freedom and democracy. It is my hope that it will be a site of commemoration, education and inspiration for generations to come. The June 22 event will feature a formal ceremony with speeches from various dignitaries. I look forward to seeing you there. (Please bring a lawn chair). 

As you will recall, the federal budget announced new gas tax money for local city streets. With the budget now days from passing, the following residential streets in St. James are now slated for rehabilitation this summer:

• Ness Avenue — Pebblewood Lane to Sturgeon Road;

• Ainslie Street — Bruce Avenue to Lodge Avenue; 

• Lodge Avenue — Davidson Street to Moray Street; and

• Traill Avenue — Mount Royal Road to Portage Avenue. 

If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 204-986-5848 or email me at scottgillingham@winnipeg.ca

Scott Gillingham

Scott Gillingham was the city councillor for St. James - Brooklands - Weston from 2014 to 2022. He was elected Mayor of Winnipeg in 2022.

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