The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) is a private members' organization with a focus on military history, defence studies and international affairs. Located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, it was founded as the Canadian Military Institute on January 14, 1890. General Sir William Dillon Otter set the founding principles: "to provide in an Institute for the defence forces of Canada a Library, museum and club for the purposes of the promotion of military art, science and literature, to gather and preserve the records of the defence forces, and develop its specialized field in Canadian history." The motto of the RCMI is Fidelis Per Manere (Latin for 'To remain faithful').
The RCMI's original headquarters at 426 University Avenue was built in 1907. Designed by William Craven Vaux Chadwick, the library was built in 1908. The building was expanded in 1912 and 1935, and renovated during the 1960s. In 2007, the facade of 426 University Avenue was reconstructed by E R A Kubaneck Architects according to archeological records. Governor General David Johnston laid the cornerstone on June 9, 2012, for a 42-story, 315 suite condominium residence, lofts, and mixed-use project.
The colonel in chief of the RCMI is Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy. The RCMI is supported by fees, donations, and the volunteer services of private members.
Mission
The RCMI provides a forum to promote education on defence, security and foreign affairs in a unique collegial environment. The RCMI intends to become recognized as the pre-eminent Canadian forum for discussion, research and education on defence, security and foreign affairs. The RCMI seeks to promote the study of military strategy, arts, and literature. The RCMI seeks to promote pride in a strong, unified and independent Canada by enhancing public understanding of political and military history.
Programming
The RCMI outreach to the public consists of a speakers program, educational conferences, seminars, open forums and events. The RCMI events include Batoche dinners, guest speakers, Christmas parties, reserve force and regimental dinners. Regular lectures on aspects of Canadian military history, international affairs, and military strategy are held, often as part of the RCMI’s Military History Nights and Defence Studies Committee Roundtables and Luncheons.
The RCMI prepares and publishes original papers, studies and journals related to military and strategic issues, foreign affairs, and artefacts: the 'RCMI Commentary', 'Sitrep', 'The General Sir William Otter Papers', and 'Heritage Papers'. The RCMI has also published annual yearbooks.
The RCMI has a museum, archive, library, art collection, publications and online resources. The exhibitions focus on the evolution of Canadian military arms, equipment, and uniforms.
Following a four-year reconstruction, the RCMI returned to its new quarters at 426 University Avenue at the beginning of June 2014. The RCMI offers overnight accommodations and food and beverage service.
History
Canadian Military Institute
On January 14, 1890, 50 officers of the Toronto Garrison founded the Royal Canadian Military Institute, then known as the Canadian Military Institute (CMI), with the then governor general of Canada, Lord Stanley, as its patron. The Militia Institute, which was organized in 1878, presented 200 military volumes on the founding of the institute. Although the founders sought to enrol 50 to 100 members by the end of 1890, 162 resident and 122 non-resident members had joined. The headquarters of the Canadian Military Institute in 1896 was on University Avenue.
In 1907, the CMI acquired 243-5 Simcoe Street, which is at the rear of its current premises. On August 29, 1907, the then governor general, Earl Grey, laid the cornerstone. William Craven Vaux Chadwick, architect, designed the new CMI Library on University Avenue in 1908.
In 1912, CMI acquired the front of the present premises on University Avenue and the then governor general, the Duke of Connaught, laid the cornerstone.
Col. J. B. McLean was the last of the founders of the RCMI to die; he served as honorary president of the RCMI from 1948 until his death in 1951.
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."