Remembrance Day ceremonies to see bigger police presence

Remembrance Day will look and feel much different in Nova Scotia this year as police will be ramping up their presence in response to last weeks events on Parliament Hill.

In Halifax, Sydney and Amherst, there are plans to bring in more officers on Nov. 11.

Unlike in past years, Halifax Regional Police officers will be armed at Remembrance Day events.

That will add to the police presence that will be on the various sites, said police chief Jean-Michel Blais.

In a statement to CBC, the chief of the Amherst Police Department wrote that community safety is not just about the community being safe, its about citizens feeling safe.

"We feel the sight of additional officers at this year's ceremonies will help to address concerns/anxiety being felt by attendees and participants," said Ian Naylor.

The Royal Canadian Legion and police expect a bigger turnout this year at Remembrance Day ceremonies, not only because of the Ottawa shooting, but because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Ron Trowsdale is the president of the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. He says the events in Parliament Hill will definitely be on the minds of attendees at ceremonies.

But having said all that, we are going to have our Remembrance Day ceremony the way we always have."