Welcoming Arch on 9th Avenue: A Tribute to Calgary's 31st Battalion
Honoring the Heroes of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1919

Don Mclellan
Aug 18, 2025
In 1919, Calgary’s 9th Avenue featured a grand welcoming arch, built to honor the return of the 31st Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.
This striking monument stood outside the Canadian Pacific Railway Station, representing the city’s heartfelt gratitude to its war heroes.
The 31st Battalion, established in 1914, served courageously in pivotal World War I battles.
Calgarians gathered around the ornate arch, celebrating their community’s bravery and resilience.
Detailed with patriotic symbols, the structure became a proud reminder of unity during turbulent years.
Though 9th Avenue has transformed, now bustling with developments like The Arch high-rise in the Beltline district, the legacy of remembrance endures.
Initiatives such as the Calgary Heritage Initiative ensure the city’s rich history—and the memory of the welcoming arch—remains an important part of Calgary’s evolving story.