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.
Truro Town Council Announces New Name for TAAC Grounds to Honour No. 2 Construction Battalion
Truro, NS – February 21, 2025 – The Town of Truro is proud to announce that on Monday, March 3rd, Truro Town Council unanimously approved the recommended new name for the TAAC Grounds on Golf Street: "No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility." This recommendation, made by a subcommittee of the African Nova Scotia Community Strategy Committee (ANSCSC), follows a public renaming contest and community consultation.
In 2022, Truro Town Council committed to renaming the TAAC Grounds to honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the first and only segregated all-Black battalion in Canadian military history. Based in Truro, the battalion faced systemic anti-Black racism and was denied official recognition when disbanded. The grounds served as their training site.
The renaming will take place upon completion of the site's revitalization project in Summer 2025, which will include a memorial and educational panels. An unveiling event will mark the grand reopening under the new name.
A public renaming contest in January 2025 received 45 submissions, with the subcommittee selecting a name that is direct and definitive. To recognize community collaboration, the honorarium will be shared between two youth groups:
- Truro Middle School, Mrs. Lynds and Ms. V’s Grade 7 Classes – $50
- Cobequid Educational Centre, Afrocentric Aspiring Leaders Youth Group – $50
The Town of Truro thanks all participants and the ANSCSC subcommittee for their dedication to preserving this important legacy.
Official Renaming and Monument Unveiling to Honour the No. 2 Construction Battalion
The Town of Truro, through the Town’s African Nova Scotia Community Strategy Committee, is honoured to host a significant community event recognizing the historic contributions of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion to serve during the First World War.
The Official Renaming and Monument Unveiling Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility, located at 57 Golf Street, Truro. A reception will follow across the street at the Truro Golf Club, 86 Golf Street.
This ceremony will include the official renaming of the athletic facility and the unveiling of a permanent monument dedicated to the memory and legacy of the men who served in the No. 2 Construction Battalion.
The site holds profound historical significance as it served as the former parade and drilling grounds for the No. 2 Construction Battalion during their training in Truro before their deployment overseas. The permanent monument and facility renaming ensure this vital part of Canadian and African Nova Scotian history will be preserved and recognized for generations to come.
Funding for the monument and commemorative event has been provided by the Town of Truro and through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.
The Town of Truro welcomes all residents and visitors to join in this moment of remembrance and recognition.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Location: No. 2 Construction Battalion Athletic Facility, 57 Golf Street, Truro
• Reception to follow: Truro Golf Club, 86 Golf Street, Truro
