A Legacy of Peace: Edmonton Becomes an International City of Peace
As the Rotary Club of Edmonton West celebrated our 70th Anniversary, we wanted to create a legacy that would have a lasting impact on our city—one that reflected Rotary's enduring commitment to peace, service, and bringing people together.
That vision became a reality when Edmonton was officially recognized as an International City of Peace, joining a growing network of communities around the world dedicated to fostering peace, inclusion, reconciliation, and understanding.
This achievement did not happen overnight. It was the result of many months of collaboration with community organizations, civic leaders, Indigenous representatives, educators, faith communities, and countless individuals who share the belief that peace begins at the local level. Together, we demonstrated that Edmonton is a city where people work every day to build stronger communities through compassion, dialogue, and service.
The designation was officially celebrated on July 1, 2026, when the City of Edmonton proclaimed July 1 as Peace Day. The celebration brought together community leaders, Rotarians, and citizens to recognize this significant milestone and to unveil a Peace Pole—a powerful symbol that stands as a reminder of our shared hope for peace in every community and every nation.
For more than 70 years, the Rotary Club of Edmonton West has embraced Rotary's mission of Service Above Self. Our members have volunteered locally and internationally, supported youth leadership, addressed food insecurity, promoted education, and participated in humanitarian projects around the world. Helping Edmonton become an International City of Peace is a natural extension of that commitment.
Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is created through acts of kindness, respect, inclusion, reconciliation, and service. Every volunteer, every community partnership, every conversation, and every opportunity to help another person contributes to a more peaceful city.
As our 70th Anniversary Legacy Project, this designation is not the end of a journey—it is the beginning. We hope it inspires individuals, organizations, schools, businesses, and future generations to continue building a city where everyone feels valued, respected, and connected.
The Rotary Club of Edmonton West is honoured to have played a role in this historic achievement. Together with our many partners, we look forward to ensuring that Edmonton's designation as an International City of Peace continues to inspire positive action for years to come.
Because peace is not simply something we celebrate—it is something we create, together.
