News
December 2023 - THE RANGER newsletter - Click here to read
May 2023 - THE RANGER newsletter - Click here to read
January 9, 2023 - Remembering our former Colonel of the Regiment, His Honour, David Onley - Obituary, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s statement, Ontario Newsroom, Notice from Council, CHCH, Caledon Citizen, 100 Huntley Street.
November 13, 2022 - Newmarket Today - Retired Soldier helping others address stigma of invisible injuries - Click here to read
September 1, 2022 - Special Edition of THE RANGER newsletter - Includes full coverage of the presentation of the new Guidon parade - Click here to read
June 23, 2022 - Our very own, Col. Charles S. Oliviero has published a new book! - Click here for the link
May 20, 2022 - Orillia Matters - Orillia native, veteran ‘honoured’ to lead Queen’s York Rangers
May 19, 2022 - Toronto Star - Governor General honours local regiment at Fort York
May 2, 2022 - April 2022 edition of THE RANGER - Click here to read
April 30, 2022 - Newmarket News - Remember this - Newmarket through the 1910s - Click here to read
April 2022 - The Fife and Drum - April Newsletter
December 19, 2021 - COVID spread pales to the spread of love by QY Rangers - Click here to read and click here for the interview
November 20, 2021 - Click here for the November 2021 release of Rangers News! - Click here to read
September 9, 2021 - The Star - Armoury recognized with Global Design Award - Link
June 5, 2021 - Queen's York Rangers cadets have long and storied history. In this week's Remember This, History Hounds wraps up his series on the Queen's York Ranger with a focus on the cadet program - Link
May 29, 2021 - 'These are stirring times': Newmarket men could be counted on to answer call to war - In this week's Remember This, History Hound Richard MacLeod could continues his series on the proud history of the Queen's York Rangers - Link
April 26, 2021 - “Meet the Honoraries” event live on Facebook - In case you missed it or want to rewatch it - Click here. Join our mailing list to receive all event invitations! A special thank you to Dave Trafford (Newstalk 1010, The Weekend Morning Show with Dave Trafford) for running the back-end operations! Click here to check him out.
April 16, 2021 - Click here for the April 2021 release of Rangers News! - Click here to read!
December 11, 2020 - York 9 FC rebrands as York United FC - York says its new crest is inspired by both the Old City of York — the predecessor to Toronto — and the Queen’s York Rangers, a Canadian Army regiment, with a presence both downtown (Fort York) and the York Region (Aurora). - Click here to read!
December 8, 2020 - Click here for the December 2020 release of Rangers News! - Click here to read!
November 11, 2020 - The @CanadianForces are often sent on unusual missions, never more so than this year, when they were sent into #longtermcare homes to rescue seniors from #COVID19. Lt. Col. James Stocker and Corp. Laila Ahmed describe their efforts tonight at 8/11 pm on @TheAgenda on @tvo. #poppy - Click here to read!
November 11, 2020 - Remembrance Day 2020 activities - Ranger’s Service in Aurora, ON, Reg’t Band in Streetsville, ON, and the 337 RCAC Cadet’s
November 5, 2020 - Queen’s York Rangers' history finds pride of place at Town Hall - Click here to read!
October 10, 2020 - The first issue of Rangers News is released! - Click here to read!
December 19, 2019 - Warmington - Evicted veteran lands new apartment - "...earlier this week, he was facing homelessness. That changed after he attended a Regimental Soldier’s Appreciation Dinner Saturday and answered a basic question from Regimental Sgt. Maj. Chris Duncan.
“He asked me how I am doing and I said, ‘Fine, other than I have been asked to leave my apartment and have nowhere to go,’” said Smitty."
Click here to read more!
November 13, 2019 - Please help us do a better job for YOU! Fill out the survey to win! - We are seeking information from you on our communications and activities. The survey results will assist in making sure that our programs and offerings are better determined and delivered. Please help us out by answering the brief survey. Every bit of feedback is helpful - so please do not hold back your constructive criticism!
All information provided will be kept confidential: the substantive results will be used only in aggregate and there will be no access to individual responses. The only exception is that we will use the first question to update our member database for our outreach and communications efforts.
To thank you for your time, upon completion of the survey you’ll receive a Regimental Lapel Pin (make sure to share your mailing address in the survey) and your name will be added to a draw for a $50 coupon toward the purchase of ANY item in the kitshop! - Click here to fill out the survey!
November 13, 2019 - RSVP for the next Simcoe Seminar on November 30th! - Join serving and retired members and friends of The Queen's York Rangers (1st American Regiment) (RCAC) as well as Friends of Fort York and others for readings from Mindful of Our Ancient Valour, The Queen's York Rangers on Operations, from 1756 to Present.
Listen to author Lieutenant-Colonel Phil Halton, former Commanding Officer of the Regiment and other current and former Rangers as they read from the book, describing the personal experiences of Rangers over the past 250 plus years.
After the readings there will be an opportunity to discuss the book with the contributors present as well as purchase a copy of the book for $20 (cash or cheque only, please). Or, you can order now on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yyxg636l Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite!
November 11, 2019 - A video of the Remembrance Day parade in Aurora, Ontario - Click here to watch!
October 16, 2019 - Have a look at recent coverage from the Hill 70 event in France!
“Canada’s forgotten battle: Honouring the legacy of Hill 70, more than a century later”
“Canadian WWI victory no longer 'historical footnote' with new Hill 70 memorial”
September 16, 2019 - Open house on September 28th! - Fort York Armoury will be open to the public. In addition to meeting soldiers and experiencing interactive displays, visitors will be able to explore the full and part time job opportunities in the Canadian Army Reserves.
September 15, 2019 - New Podcast on Newstalk 1010 - LCol Phil Halton joins Dave to talk about his new book, Mindful of Our Ancient Valour: The Queen's York Rangers on Operations, from 1756 to Present. Click here to listen!
September 11, 2019 - LCol Phil Halton authors “Mindful of Our Ancient Valour” - The book will be available for sale on Amazon starting on 11 September. Click here to purchase the book. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Regimental Council. The anthology is a collection of 29 different first person accounts of Rangers in operations, starting with Robert Rogers and John Graves Simcoe, and ending with the War in Iraq.
All proceeds go to benefit the soldiers of the Regiment, through our Regimental Council, a registered charity.
June 28th, 2019 - Museum’s film examines close ties between Aurora and Regiment - An article by Brock Weir of The Auroran. “The Queen’s York Rangers have an incredible history and they have very strong ties to Aurora. Being able to showcase that in an exhibit is fantastic, but not everybody can come and see it. Our hope is this little moment from Aurora’s history can be accessed by people far and wide.”
June 26th, 2019 - Saying farewell to Queen's Rangers Elementary School in Copetown - An article by Ancaster News’ Mike Pearson. “As the rural school prepared for its final classes, students, staff and guests marked the occasion with a June 25 farewell celebration.“
Nov 12th, 2018 - Worthington’s Autocar in Parade - This CBC report by Murray Brewster, shows the MGen Worthington’s autocar from WWI following its restoration by the Canadian War Museum.
Nov 12th, 2018 - Free Fishing Licenses Announced by Ontario Government - The CBC reports the program is to be implemented by spring 2019 and will allow veterans and current members of the CF to fish recreationally without a license..
Nov 1st, 2018 - Brandywine Brew Naming Winner Announced - after much delay the winner of the “Name That Brew” contest has been revealed. Multiple individuals submitted the name Crescent Moon IPA so a drawing was held and the winner is Sgt Anthony (pictured below).
Sep 29th, 2018 - Brandywine Brew Name Announced - This afternoon the winning name of the special brew was announced. Crescent Moon IPA, brewed by Royal City Brewing Company of Guelph. Orders can be made on their website and if the order is placed before Oct 15th they will deliver your order to the armoury. Just enter the special code QYRANG when you check out.
Sep 11th, 2018 - Special Guest Announced - it was announced today that actor Sam Roukin, who plays John Graves Simcoe on the AMC drama TURN, Washington’s Spies, will be a special guest at the Change of Command Parade and Brandywine Ball on Sep 29th. Tickets are still available for the Ball through the Kit Shop. Special reduced pricing has been extended through Sep 13th.
Sep 8th, 2018 - Brandywine Brew Vote - Thanks to everyone who suggested names and voted in our poll. The votes are now in and have been tallied. The winner and their prizes will be announced on Sep 29th at the Change of Command Parade. Hope you can enjoy some at the Brandywine Ball that evening. Get your tickets through the Kit Shop.
Aug 30th, 2018 - Brandywine Brew Vote Announced - voting has begun to name the Brandywine special brew. Polls close at 1300 on Sep 4th. Names were proposed by members of the Regiment and the Regimental Family. You can vote here. Thanks to all who submitted names for consideration.
May 10th, 2018 - Saving Private Frankish - A report by Breakfast Television reporter Kevin Frankish on his day as a recruit at FYA.
Mar 2nd, 2018 - Former officer Major Roy Eddy passed away today at the Sunnybrook Veterans Wing. Roy was the Regimental Paymaster in the 70's. No further details are available but will be posted when known.
Dec 2017 - An article on the refurbishment and reuse of the Larmont St armouries in Aurora.
https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/7979431-aurora-armoury-to-house-niagara-college-microbrewery-incubator/?S=E
Nov 2017 - two articles in the Auroran about the LAV monument.
http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?p=18849
http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/?wpfb_dl=1551
Sept 28th, 2017 - Armouries Open House
On Sep 30th the Lt General John Graves Simcoe Armoury in Aurora and the Fort York Armoury in Toronto will be open to the public. Come and meet reservists and see what they do. Recruiters will be on hand for those interested in joining the Reserves. Cadets units will also be present. This will be a kid friendly event. Everyone is welcome. Click here for the DND Press Release.
Aug 2nd, 2017 - Hill 70 article in the Simcoe Reformer
Jul 20th, 2017 - Frederick Hobson Video
Regimental Council has sponsored the production of a video about one of our three VC winners, Sgt Frederick Hobson. You can see the video here.
Apr 26th, 2017 - Passing of David Edward Franklin
David Franklin, the President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 385 (Aurora) passed away at his home on Apr 26th. He was a former member of the RCMP for over 34 years and an avid golfer. A strong supporter of our Regiment, he will be missed. Our condolences go out to his wife Dale and other members of his family.
Apr 9th, 2017 - Hill 70 Memorial Dedication
Media coverage for the dedication of the Hill 70 memorial to which Regimental Council contributed in memory of 20th Bn, 127th Bn and 220th Bn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUNcwJf4MRc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NMXOBaQk48
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-longest-moment-of-silence-as-memorial-for-canadians-sacrifice-at-hill-70-unveiled-in-france/article34643015/
https://youtu.be/0MnnU01wap0
April 8th, 2017 - Vimy Event in Aurora Report
Click on the attached to see speeches from The Hon Peter MacKay, HCol Darrell Bricker and HLCol Chuck Oliviero
http://www.mediaevents.ca/vimy-ridge-100th-anniversary/
April 12th, 2017 - Passing of Former Hon LCol Thor Eaton
Thor Eaton was Hon LCol of the Regiment from 1999 to 2003
Obituary - Died peacefully at home on Monday, April 10, 2017. Beloved husband of Senator Nicole (Courtois) Eaton. Loving father to Thor Edmond (and his wife Michelle (Bakos)) Eaton and Cleophee (and her husband Scott McFarland). Adoring grandfather to Hildur and Jacques. Thor was a cherished brother to John, Fred, George and their families. He was a loving man with a close family and many friends. An avid sportsman, he was passionate about salmon fishing, horse racing and duck hunting. As a former director of the Maple Leafs, he remained a loyal fan and never lost hope for another Stanley Cup. He was known as a positive force and brought a sense of joy to all those around him. He was a man who supported many causes in his community through politics and philanthropy. Those who wish to join the family for a celebration of his life, may do so at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 21st in TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH. 230 St. Clair Avenue West. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to St. Michael's Hospital to further Dr. Neeru Gupta's research. The family would also like to thank the UHN Transplant Team for all they did for him. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.
March 25th, 2017 - Vimy Announcement
LCol (Ret'd) DGA McKenzie, Chair of the Regimental Council, announced today that CWO Goldenberg, a former RSM of the Regiment, had been selected to represent the Rangers at the Vimy commemoration ceremonies in France from April 5th to 12th. He was selected from nominations submitted to Council and has been approved by the Dept of Veterans Affairs. While many excellent nominations were received the selection committee, including the CO and the Chair of Council, felt that RSM Goldenberg best represented the Rangers. Colonel McKenzie thanked everyone who was nominated or took the time to submit a nomination.
Feb 15th, 2017 - Vimy Centenary Evening - Media Advisory
The Regimental Council of the Queen's York Rangers is hosting a Vimy Centenary Evening on Saturday, April 8th, 2017, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy RIdge. The Queen's York Rangers perpetuate four battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) that fought with distinction in WWI.
Jan 15th, 2017 - Passing of Former CO Irv Mathieson
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that our fellow Ranger and former Commanding Officer, LCol Irv Matheson CD, passed away this morning after a long and painful illness. When Irv came to Toronto in the 1970’s he had previously successfully commanded the BCR’s in Vancouver. He joined the Rangers and took The Regiment to the highest levels, winning the Worthington Trophy as the best Militia Armoured Regiment in Canada. Irv was for two years President of the RCAC Association and went on to be Chairman of the Conference of Defence Associations. He was for several years an advisor to the Director of Armour and became in his spare time a very successful and hard working President of the RCMI. He was also an active supporter of Reserve 2000 and the Fort York Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Irv was a no nonsense type of guy and he called a spade a spade. All who met him, respected and loved him for his integrity, sincerity and good works. He will be sadly missed by a wide range of friends. It is Irv’s wish that there will be no visitation or Funeral Service. We send our sincere condolences to Gwen and his family. We have lost a great Citizen Soldier and fellow Ranger. Would you kindly inform the Ranger Family of our sad loss. Best Regards, as ever, Michael Stevenson
Oct 28th, 2016 - Huffington Post Blog
A blog written by Sean Mallen about last weekend's Brandywine and Queenston Heights Mess Dinner was published today on the Huffington Post website. You can see the blog at http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sean-mallen/the-fellowship-of-the-mess_b_12675884.html.
Oct 5th, 2016 - Telly Awards
Today the Regiment received news that the "Remembrance Day: Past, Present and Future" video sponsored by the Town of Aurora Sesquicentennial Committee, and which the Regiment and the Aurora Legion jointly supported, has been selected for a Telly Award, Bronze Level.
The Telly Awards honour the best in Film and Television broadcast, non-broadcast and online productions. Production companies and ad agencies mainly submit their commercials and corporate work, web series and training videos and even documentaries. They are an international competition so they accept entries from around the world and they've been around since the late 70s. Joe Costa from 2 Thumps Up Productions entered the Remembrance Day video in the Non-Broadcast, Educational Video category. Entries are judged by peers in the industry on their overall merit. There is a Silver and Bronze category. Our video received a bronze.
Apr 24th, 2016 - Change of Command
Today, LCol Phil Halton relinquished command of the Regiment to LCol Eric Thorson in the presence of the Colonel of the Regiment, Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. For pictures and other details see the photo gallery and blogs.
Dec 7th, 2015 - QYRang participate in Syrian Refugee preparations (Global News)
Dec 12th, 2015 - Historical Baldric Retired
At the annual Soldiers Christmas dinner the Pipe Major, Dave Sanderson, turned over the old baldric to the Commanding Officer, Phil Halton, for safekeeping as part of our museum collection. The baldric is worn by the Pipe Major and like the drums and the guidon, has on it the battle honours of the unit. The new baldric has on it the five new battle honours bestowed on the unit in 2013 and 2014 (Queenston, Niagara, Detroit, Defence of Canada 1812--1815 and Afghanistan). Pictured below.