Griesbach homes are situated on the former site of the Canadian Forces Base in northwest Edmontonwhich has won the best community award on the local (CHBA Edmonton Region), provincial and national levels. The Griesbach developer Canada Lands for revieved “Best New Community Award” for Griesbach at the national level! Excellence is an astounding achievement. Congratulations to all residents for making this a beautiful community to live in.
Throughout the Griesbach community, there are several statues representing our Canadian Military heritage. This is one of the neighborhoods in Edmonton that is always aked about when our military members are on thier house hunting trips. Learn more about each of these Griesbach statues below:
Griesbach History
The Griesbach Edmonton community is named after Major-General William Antrobus Griesbach, a veteran of the First World War, Second World War, and the Boer War. Major General Griesbach stands to watch over the community named in his honor through a statue located on Griesbach Parade and Gault Boulevard. He is depicted riding a horse as he played a key role in establishing a militia cavalry unit based out of Edmonton called The Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
Griesbach enlisted with the Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1899 to fight in the Second Boer War. During his service, he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal and received four bars. Upon his return in 1901, he opened a law office of his own.
Griesbach's first bid for political office took place in the 1903 Edmonton election but was more successful in the 1904 election when he was elected to a one-year term as an alderman to Edmonton's first city council placing eighth. He resigned as alderman one year into his term in order to run for mayor in the 1906 Edmonton election, then was promoted to captain in 1907. In December of that year, Griesbach was promoted to major assigned to command the 49th Battalion. He was able to recruit 1000 men in eight days in January 1915. The unit served in various engagements, including the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Arras, the Third Battle of Ypres, and the liberation of Mons.
In 1917, Griesbach was promoted to Brigadier-General and assigned command of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division. Griesbach was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice and the Victorian Decoration for long service and during World War II, Griesbach was made Inspector General of the Canadian Army for Western Canada and was promoted to the rank of Major-General. He retired from that position in 1943.
William Griesbach was elected to the House of Commons of Canada as a Government member for the riding of Edmonton West in the 1917 election, defeating incumbent Laurier Liberal Frank Oliver. He served until 15 September 1921, when he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, which he served until his death.
Living In Griesbach Edmonton
The Griesbach community has an identifiable architectural character that has been established to keep a consistent image throughout the mix of real estate uses. The theme is communicated through Architectural detail, massing, and color palettes that emphasize a combination of Heritage contemporary design with warm tones and accent colors at specific locations. There is an emphasis on stone or masonry finishes is encouraged on selected building elements. Griesbach has dedicated 26% of its land use to green spaces, retention lakes, and natural habitats.
This Griesbach park site was created to honor one of Canada’s most accomplished military regiments – The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. It was created in memory of the almost 2,000 soldiers from (PPCLI) who have given their lives in the service of the regiment over the past 100 years.
On May 8th, 1915 the PPCLI (Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) was attacked at Frezenberg and Bellewaerde Ridges. By the end of the final German assault, the Patricia’s were reduced from 554 to four officers and 150 men. The Memorial is a replica of the original monument to the Patricia’s which is located near their heroic stand at Bellewaerde.
A time capsule containing regimental artifacts and items of significance is encapsulated in a specifically designed cavity in the Patricia Park Memorial with the intent that it will be retrieved from the memorial and opened on August 10, 2064, on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Regiment. The artifacts represent the first 100 years of the service by the regiment. Also inside are three letters from Pte. Cole Lisowski, Pte. Mark Brushett and Pte. Dylan Renaud, three of the youngest members on active duty with the PPCLI, was given the task and honor of returning to the site 50 years from the unveiling to open the capsule.
The dedication of Patricia Park, in the community of Griesbach, offers Patricia’s and civilian citizens a place to reflect on both the achievements and sacrifices of the PPCLI, with over a thousand names of those Patricias lost because of active duty etched on a wall of honor. “This memorial will pay homage to that same courage and sacrifice of Patricias through the last hundred years and the next hundred years,” said Laurie Hawn, member of parliament representing Edmonton Centre.
