About the Royal Canadian Military Institute

In 1890, the Officers of the Toronto Garrison founded the Royal Canadian Military Institute with the then Governor General of Canada, The Earl Grey, as its patron. Earl Grey laid the cornerstone of the existing premises in 1907.

Today, the heritage building is well known to the public as a city landmark – an Edwardian edifice flanked distinctively by two 19th-century cannons, with substantial space devoted to Museum galleries displaying exhibits drawn from the Institute's extensive collections.  It also houses a 15,000 volume research Library whose holdings include significant books detailing Canada's military history.

A core element of the Institute's activities is the field of Defence Studies, particularly on issues related to Canadian Military Heritage and Contemporary Canadian Security. We carry out extensive outreach and educational activities in this area, including a vigorous publications and events programme, and are fortunate to have at our disposal for this purpose the multi-purpose lecture, seminar and conference facilities facilities of the historic building.

The Institute's founding President, Lieutenant Colonel William Otter 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."

The Institute has since flourished as a pre-eminent library and military museum, and an informal forum for discussion related to matters of "security and defence." For over a century, our members have formed a special community of men and women interested in military arts, science, literature and affairs, as well as the independence and success of Canada.

In keeping with our mandate and the current needs of educational and military organizations, the RCMI's membership has become increasingly diverse. Today, membership of the Institute is drawn from all walks of life, including the Reserves, the Regular Forces, academe, and business across Canada and abroad. Increasingly, our new members are concerned with information technology and other business affairs related to security issues.

In the opening decade of the 21st century, civilian opinion and involvement are critical. The threats facing Canada are no longer "over there" and we can no longer rely on others to defend us. Public debate of the security issues facing Canada is essential to ensure our place in the world, and in that regard, the work of the Institute has never been more vital.