The city’s first cenotaph was built in 1950. In 2008, LEES+Associates (with Asymmetric Design Group) was commissioned to design a new plaza and the design team worked closely with City staff and Veterans to design a new cenotaph which is the plaza's focal point. 

The cenotaph consists of two pillars of river rock and bronze plaques and was dedicated on 6 June 2010 in recognition of the 66th Anniversary of D-Day, a turning point in the Second World War. It was designed to be reminiscent of the Vimy Ridge Memorial.