Yonge-Bay Corridor in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
No. 2 Construction Battalion
Photographed by Caroline Record, November 22, 2025
1. NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION BATTALION Marker
Formed during the First World War, No. 2 Construction Battalion was the largest Black military unit in Canadian history.
In August 1914, thousands of men from across Canada enlisted to serve in the war; however, by the end of 1915, at least 200 Black volunteers had been turned away by racist recruiting officers. Although some Black men were able to enlist, the British War Office questioned the loyalty of Black soldiers, and many white men refused to serve with them.
Communities across Canada saw these rejections as unacceptable and lobbied the Militia Headquarters and the Governor General to respond. In July 1916, the Department of Defence and Militia authorized the formation of No. 2 Construction Battalion. 19 officers and 595 soldiers sailed for Europe in March 1917.
Although the Battalion was mostly Black men, its officers were white apart from the chaplain, Captain William "Andrew" White. The unit was attached to the Canadian Forestry Corps where they were involved in logging, the maintenance of logging roads, and the operation of electrical and water systems within camps. It was not a combat unit, yet many men still lost their lives, mostly due to disease.
After the war, the unit was disbanded in September 1920. On July 9, 2022, the Government of Canada issued a formal apology for
this page online
Erected 2024 by Heritage Toronto.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Toronto Heritage series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1914.
Location. 43° 38.86′ N, 79° 23.106′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in Yonge-Bay Corridor. It is at the intersection of King Street West and University Avenue, on the right when traveling west on King Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 166 King Street W, Toronto ON M5H 4H2, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Andrew's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Upper Canada College Centenary (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canadian General Electric Company Building (about 90 meters away); Royal Alexandra Theatre / Thιβtre Royal Alexandra (about 210 meters away); Royal Alexandra Theatre (about 210 meters away); Royal Alexandra Theatre - 1907 (about 210 meters away); Upper Canada College Boarding House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Bishops Palace 1818 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
Photographed by Caroline Record, November 22, 2025
2. NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION BATTALION Marker
3. Marker illustration
4. Marker photos
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2025, by Caroline Record of Montrιal, Quιbec. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 27, 2025, by Caroline Record of Montrιal, Quιbec. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
