Officers’ Square packing heat once again

Two 19th century cannons reinstalled at refurbished public space in Garrison District

Two long-standing icons of Officers’ Square that have been absent from the downtown public space for years are back after successful efforts to restore the historic symbols.

The City of Fredericton announced Friday that two 19th century cannons, which were mainstays in Officers’ Square for years, have been restored and reinstalled for the public to enjoy once again.

Workers reinstall one of two historic cannons at Officers’ Square earlier this week. The 19th century cannons were removed during renovations, and underwent restoration and preservation by local experts. (Photo: Submitted/City of Fredericton)

The cannons were removed from the downtown space in 2018 when the city first undertook its overhaul of Officers’ Square, the municipality said in a news release Friday.

“The historic cannons had been a popular feature in downtown Fredericton for many years,” it said.

“Over time, their wooden base and metal exterior began to deteriorate.”

Since the cannons had to be removed to make way for redesign and refurbishment of Officers’ Square, the release said, the city arranged for local experts to restore, conserve and preserve the cannons and their historical qualities.

“During restoration, previously unknown details such as the cannons weight, king's arrow, (denoting it was property of the Crown), original manufacturer, and royal cypher (kings’ monogram) were revealed, giving staff a better understanding of their original history,” the release said.

The cannons were reinstalled Monday, it said.

Officers’ Square reopened in June 2024 after the completion of the renovation project.

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