Honouring the Legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion
The Town of Truro is proud to honour the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, a unit of profound historical significance to both our province and the nation.
A National Apology and a Historic Pledge
On July 9, 2022, a National Apology was delivered to the descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand at the TAAC Grounds. During this event, Mayor Bill Mills announced Truro Town Council’s pledge to rename the TAAC Grounds in honour of the Battalion. This decision, made in June 2022, reflects the Town’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the Battalion’s legacy.
Significance of the TAAC Grounds
The TAAC Grounds hold deep historical value as the former training and drilling site for the No. 2 Construction Battalion after it was headquartered in Truro, N.S., following its initial establishment in Pictou, N.S. Recognizing this site’s importance, the Town of Truro is undertaking efforts to ensure the Battalion’s contributions are appropriately commemorated.
Commemorative Plans
As part of the ongoing TAAC Ground Revitalization Project, scheduled for completion in Summer 2025, the Town of Truro will honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion through:
- An Onsite Monument with Educational Panels: These panels will detail the history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and the Truro Amateur Athletic Club.
- A Commemoration Event: This event will coincide with the grand reopening of the revitalized grounds.
- Renaming the Grounds: The TAAC Grounds will be officially renamed in honour of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
A Community-Led Initiative
To ensure the success of this project, a subcommittee of the African Nova Scotian Committee Strategy Committee has been formed to oversee the planning and execution of the commemoration.
This initiative represents a meaningful step in acknowledging the contributions of the No. 2 Construction Battalion and ensuring their legacy is remembered for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates on the project and details about the grand reopening and commemoration event in Summer 2025.
Help Us Rename the TAAC Grounds!
In 1916, the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first all-Black battalion, trained at the TAAC Grounds in Truro. Despite many challenges, these men made vital contributions to WWI.
Now, we’re renaming this historic site to honour their legacy—and we need YOUR help!
Join us in selecting a name that honours the bravery of the Battalion, reflects their legacy, and unites our community.
Contest Open: January 2 | Closes: January 31
Winner Announced: Late February
Enter Online, or in person at Truro Town Hall or the Douglas Street Recreation Centre.
