A cherished Perth tradition honouring Canada’s veterans has been cancelled this year.
The Perth Honour Our Veterans Parade will not take place Sept. 26, a decision organizers say was made with heavy hearts after escalating insurance and policing costs made the motorcycle parade increasingly difficult to stage.
“This decision was not made lightly. Our priority must always be the safety of everyone involved, while ensuring that the true meaning and purpose of the Pathway of Heroes remains at the heart of what we do,” Julia Foley, current parade organizer, confirmed in a text to Hometown News.
Meanwhile, Sue Doran, who launched Perth’s Honour Our Veterans Banner Program seven years ago, said she wanted to clear up confusion after learning the parade was still being advertised.
“I believe it is essential to provide full transparency regarding the cancellation of this event this year. It is my primary concern to ensure that no motorcyclists inadvertently travel long distances under the impression that the parade is still proceeding as planned,” Doran wrote in a Facebook post. “I am deeply saddened by the cancellation of this year’s event.”
According to Doran, the Town of Perth requires $5 million in liability insurance for the event. While that requirement is not new, the parade is considered a high-risk event and is not covered under the Royal Canadian Legion’s standard policy, leaving the banner program responsible for the additional insurance cost.
Policing was another hurdle. Doran said local police could not guarantee enough officers to secure the traffic points needed along the parade route, while auxiliary officers were also unavailable.
Hiring off-duty officers was considered, as was reclassifying the event as a “ride,” which would require participating motorcyclists to obey regular traffic signals and travel independently rather than as one organized group.
Ultimately, organizers concluded the rising costs would eat too deeply into money intended for Homes 4 Heroes Kingston Veterans Village.
“Although a few sponsors were secured to assist with the associated expenses, it became evident that the escalating costs would ultimately preclude us from making a meaningful donation to H4H Kingston Veterans Village, which was a primary objective of the motorcycle parade,” Doran wrote.
The parade organizers have previously applied for funding through the town’s grant program and received funding to support a portion of the event, according to Cathy McNally, Perth’s director of community services.
“We have worked with the organizers for this event since its inception, and we were saddened to hear the event postponed for the year. We look forward to working with the organizers for next year’s event,” McNally said.
While there will be no organized parade this year, the tribute to veterans will continue.
Some 404 veterans will be honoured on banners scheduled to be installed throughout Perth Sept. 22. They will remain in place until Nov. 12.
Veteran motorcyclists are still encouraged to visit Perth Sept. 26 or another day, travel the route on their own, view the banners and pay their respects.
Sue and Al Milner of the Canadian Heroes Foundation Remembrance Tour are also expected to visit Perth Community Care and Lanark Lodge between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26.
Doran stressed that any gathering that day will be informal rather than an organized parade.
“We hold our veterans in the highest regard,” she wrote, “and would love for you to visit.”
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