Royal Canadian Military Institute
Encyclopedia
The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI), located in Toronto
, Ontario
, is Canada's premier independent institute for the study of military strategy
, arts, military science
and literature.
The RCMI seeks to promote pride in a strong, unified and independent Canada by enhancing public understanding of political and military history, and regularly conducts educational conferences, seminars and open forums as well as preparing and publishing original papers, studies and journals.
The RCMI is supported by fees, donations, and the volunteer services of private members.
, The Earl Grey
, as its patron. Earl Grey laid the cornerstone of the existing premises in 1907.
The Institute's founding President was Lieutenant Colonel William Dillon Otter
, formerly adjutant of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
. He went on to become one of Canada's most distinguished military figures, ending his career as General Sir William Otter KCB CMG CVO, Inspector-General of Militia of Canada. Colonel Otter set the founding objectives of the Institute, to be "the Promotion and Fostering of Military Art, Science and Literature in Canada."
With the support of an overwhelming majority of the members, in late 2008 the RCMI entered into an agreement to demolish the existing, aged building and allow development of a 42-storey condominium tower in exchange for a greatly increased space in freehold in the new building. The historic facade, and much of the interior, will be recreated in the RCMI's space in the new area, while freeing the institute from the increasing costs of maintaining a century-old building. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
The Institute closed its building with a flag-lowering ceremony on June 18, 2010, and will conduct a flag-raising on entering the new premises following construction. Members will meet at the Albany Club on King Street during the construction period, and the popular events of the RCMI, including Military History Nights and meetings of the Strategic Studies Committee, continue. Library and museum items have been stored in appropriate locations, and work on the collections will continue during the time away from 426 University.
Membership is open to men and women, military or non-military.
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, is Canada's premier independent institute for the study of military strategy
Military strategy
Military strategy is a set of ideas implemented by military organizations to pursue desired strategic goals. Derived from the Greek strategos, strategy when it appeared in use during the 18th century, was seen in its narrow sense as the "art of the general", 'the art of arrangement' of troops...
, arts, military science
Military science
Military science is the process of translating national defence policy to produce military capability by employing military scientists, including theorists, researchers, experimental scientists, applied scientists, designers, engineers, test technicians, and military personnel responsible for...
and literature.
The RCMI seeks to promote pride in a strong, unified and independent Canada by enhancing public understanding of political and military history, and regularly conducts educational conferences, seminars and open forums as well as preparing and publishing original papers, studies and journals.
The RCMI is supported by fees, donations, and the volunteer services of private members.
History
In 1890, 50 Officers of the Toronto Garrison founded the Royal Canadian Military Institute with the then Governor General of CanadaGovernor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
, The Earl Grey
Earl Grey
Earl Grey is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1806 for General Charles Grey, 1st Baron Grey. He had already been created Baron Grey, of Howick in the County of Northumberland, in 1801, and was made Viscount Howick, in the County of Northumberland, at the same time as...
, as its patron. Earl Grey laid the cornerstone of the existing premises in 1907.
The Institute's founding President was Lieutenant Colonel William Dillon Otter
William Dillon Otter
General Sir William Dillon Otter KCB, CVO, VD was a professional Canadian soldier who became the first Canadian-born Chief of the General Staff, the head of the Canadian Army.-Military career:...
, formerly adjutant of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada is a militia regiment within the Canadian Forces, based in Toronto, Ontario. The regiment is part of Land Force Central Area's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. It is the only Primary Reserve regiment in Canada to have a parachute role. The regiment consists of the reserve...
. He went on to become one of Canada's most distinguished military figures, ending his career as General Sir William Otter KCB CMG CVO, Inspector-General of Militia of Canada. Colonel Otter set the founding objectives of the Institute, to be "the Promotion and Fostering of Military Art, Science and Literature in Canada."
The Institute closed its building with a flag-lowering ceremony on June 18, 2010, and will conduct a flag-raising on entering the new premises following construction. Members will meet at the Albany Club on King Street during the construction period, and the popular events of the RCMI, including Military History Nights and meetings of the Strategic Studies Committee, continue. Library and museum items have been stored in appropriate locations, and work on the collections will continue during the time away from 426 University.
Membership is open to men and women, military or non-military.