Hailing from Kitchener, Toronto, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, members of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps began their recruitment campaign in St. Catharines with a parade around the city. The parade included the St. Catharines Red Cross Transport Service, and was led by the District Depot Band.

The government authorized the creation of the C.W.A.C in August 1941. The goal of the 1943 C.W.A.C. recruitment campaign was to enlist as many women as possible to take on non-combat roles overseas, freeing male soldiers for active duty on the front lines.

More from the Parade

There’s More to the Story

Check out the entire History InSite installation across Merritton, downtown St. Catharines and in Port Dalhousie.

About History InSite

A permanent, site specific installation, History InSite juxtaposes historical photographs with modern streetscapes by presenting the photo in, or close to, the place which it was taken.

St. Catharines has a rich photographic history and when compared to the changing streetscapes around the City, that history becomes much more meaningful, poignant, and relevant to our modern eyes.

The Downtown series was installed in July 2021. The Port Dalhousie series was installed in May 2022. The Merritton series was installed in May 2023.

History InSite is presented by the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre.

Graffiti Report

If you spot any graffiti on our purple History InSite signs, please send us a message.