The Canadian and French governments confirmed they will be collaborating to protect Juno Beach after a residential developer threatened to build on the site. .“Canadians came ashore at Juno Beach as part of the most ambitious military operation the world has ever seen and, in turn, helped liberate a continent,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay in a Friday press release. .“The story of Juno Beach and the Battle of Normandy, and the brave folks who fought there, represent a vitally important chapter in our history.” .Canadians landed on Juno Beach during D-Day in 1944, marking a turning point for the Allied Forces during the Second World War. Since that time, the Juno Beach Centre became a place of remembrance and emotion for veterans, their families, and Canadian and French citizens. .The release said a proposed condo development on land adjacent to the site posed a threat to the integrity of Juno Beach and the centre’s operations. It said the issue so concerned Canadian and French citizens it motivated them to write letters and emails calling for the site’s protection. .The release went on to say the Canadian and French governments worked in close collaboration to find a positive solution. It added contributions from these governments will allow the parcel of land identified for development to be preserved. .“The settlement will ensure that the Juno Beach Centre and the Canadian memorial presence in Normandy are preserved for generations to come,” said Juno Beach Centre Association president Dan Cooper. .“The Juno Beach Centre Association is extraordinarily grateful for the time, effort, and energy put forward by the minister of Veterans Affairs, his staff, and diplomats at the Embassy of Canada to France to resolve this dispute in an amicable manner for all parties.” .The release said the parcel of land will be reunited with two other areas adjacent to form one site, and a 99-year lease will be negotiated. It continued by saying this spending secures the long-term protection of Juno Beach and the use of the site for commemorative purposes. .“This agreement will safeguard and preserve the portion of Juno Beach for future generations,” said MacAulay. .The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) said it was pleased to learn the development was halted. .“I cannot express how grateful we are to learn our country will help preserve these sacred grounds,” said RCL Dominion President Bruce Julian. .“Our soldiers fought and died there during the Second World War, and this is a place to quietly remember their sacrifices.”.Julian thanked the Canadian government for recognizing the sanctity of the territory and taking concrete action to preserve it. He said it's important to remember fallen soldiers. .The RCL condemned the residential development plan on Juno Beach in March. .READ MORE: Juno Beach home development plan has Canadian forces appalled.“Disturbing the surroundings permanently with a housing complex would negatively affect the area in irreversible ways,” said Julian..“We implore those involved in this project to consider the physical and emotional damage it would create and choose an appropriate alternate location.”
