Historic Sabre Jet monument in Brockville, Ont. needs $80k restoration

The Golden Hawk CF-86 Sabre Jet monument on Blockhouse Island in Brockville, Ont. April 15, 2025. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa)

One of the most popular landmarks in Brockville, Ont. needs an expensive makeover.

The Golden Hawk CF-86 Sabre Jet monument on Blockhouse Island has stood tall in the City of 1000 Islands since June 23, 1968, when it was donated to the city by the Royal Canadian Air Force to commemorate Canadian air crews who lost their lives in service.

Nearly 57 years after being erected, the jet needs to be restored, along with some new touches.

“Their plan, back over 50 years ago, was to place a monument beside the jet with the names of these war casualties on it and we realized that never got done,” said Brockville Mayor Matt Wren.

The names of 90 men from the Brockville area would be honoured in the restoration.

According to a city council report, the restoration will cost $79,067.52

“We want to see this through and get it done,” Wren said.

RCAF veteran and Brockville resident Laurie Illingworth flew planes similar to the Sabre Jet during the Cold War.

He says honouring those who never made it home is what the monument is all about.

“That’s what it’s really for. It’s not for the people that are here. It’s for the ones who did not make it,” he said.

A restoration plan had been approved and funded a few years ago, but complications with the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding around Blockhouse Island prevented it from taking place.

A committee will present the motion to city council Tuesday evening and a decision will be made next week.