Royal Canadian Military Institute The Royal Canadian Military Institute ( RCMI ) , located in Toronto , Ontario , is a private members ’ organization . The Royal Canadian Military Institute 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 clubhouse was built in 1907 . Designed by William Craven Vaux Chadwick , the library was built in 1908 . The clubhouse was expanded in 1912 ; expanded in 1935 ; and renovated in 1960s . In 2007 , the facade on 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 RMCI outreach to the public consists of a speakers program , educational conferences , seminars , open forums and events . The RCMI events include Batoche dinners , guest speakers , xmas 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 Institute ’ s Military History Nights and Defence Studies Committee Roundtables and Luncheons . 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 RMCI has a museum , archive , library , art collection , publications and online resources . The exhibitions focus on the evolution of Canadian military arms , equipment , and uniforms . The Club offers overnight accommodations and restaurants . 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 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 was on University Avenue in 1896 . In 1907 , CMI acquired 243 - 5 Simcoe Street , which is the rear of its premises . On August 29 , 1907 , the then Governor General , Earl Grey , laid the corner - stone . William Craven Vaux Chadwick , architect , designed the new CMI Library on University Avenue Canadian 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 corner - stone . 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 . " Col . J . M . Gibson was the first Vice - President of CMI ; he later served as Lieutenant - Governor of Ontario and was the father of the Honourable Mr . Justice Col . Colin Gibson , an Honorary Life Member of the Institute . The First Secretary at CMI was Lt . Homfray Irving , a member of the Old Eighteen ( first cadets at Royal Military College of Canada ) , the first Battalion Sergeant Major at R . M . C . , winner of the Sword of Honour at R . M . C . and the first President of the R . M . C . Club of Canada . Membership was limited from 1890 - 1940 to Army officers and ex - officers of Her Majesty ’ s forces . In 1940 , membership was limited to Army Navy and Air officers and ex - officers of Her Majesty ’ s forces . In 1940 the Executive Committee of the RCMI agreed to change the name of the RCMI to the Canadian Officers ' Club and Institute , and to provide Navy officers with wardroom . By 1914 approached , the Institute was operating at a financial loss , and the executive considered closure . With the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 , there was a large number of potential membership candidates . From 1919 – 1930 the financial position of the Institute and membership were healthy . After 1930 , the membership dwindled a little each year , owing to deaths and resignations . With the depression it was uncertain whether the Institute could survive . Resignations increased since many members could not afford the yearly membership fee of $ 15 . Some affluent citizens who had resigned from their $ 100 - a - year clubs , but still wanted a club to belong to , joined the CMI . In 1935 , accounts were short by $ 52 , 000 . Although criminal prosecution was pointless , so far as collecting the balance was concerned , a cheque for $ 35 , 000 was sent by the bonding company . The $ 17 , 000 , which could have been a death blow to the institute , was written off . In 1935 , the executive considered closing . A new finance committee was set up , chaired by Lt . Col . F . S . McPherson , who kept the Institute in the black during the period he was either President or Chairman of the Finance Committee , from 1936 to 1953 inclusive , except for two years he was overseas on active service . Under McPherson an annual budget was prepared in advance and adhered to . Once a dollar was banked , it stayed in the bank . Entrance fees were banked and the Institute operated on annual fees . The " chit " system was abolished and members were put on a cash basis . These sound financial principles prevail today . From 1936 until 1958 , the Institute operated at a profit . In 1943 , a Captain of the Canadian Women ' s Army Corps presented herself to the Secretary with the membership application and demanded membership . Although the bylaws did not specify that members had to be male , she was denied membership . Some concessions were made to women . Wives of members were permitted to attend on " Open Nights " , usually held once a month . Members could entertain their female guests at the Ladies Lounge , where drinks and dinner were available daily at five o ' clock . The Canadian Officers ' Club and Institute . In 1946 , Commander A . C . Turner , who was the first naval officer to serve as president of the Institute , insisted that the name of the Institute be changed to " The Canadian Officers ' Club and Institute " , although he opted to forego a Navy wardroom . Royal Canadian Military Institute . In 1948 , the Institute had its first Air Force officer as president . In 1948 , the Honourable Colin Gibson , who served as the Secretary of State agreed to consult with the Sovereign through the proper channels about granting the Institute the prefix " Royal ' , provided the Institute changed its name back to Canadian Military Institute . The application granting the Institute the prefix " Royal ' was granted by George VI in 1948 . In 1948 , a record profit year , the Institute could have remitted all annual fees to their members and still have shown a slight profit . As World War II receded , the membership declined . Many commanding officers urged their regular forces and reserve officers to join . The Institute reduced the $ 25 entrance fee and $ 35 annual dues to serving officers of both the reserve and the active services . To contribute to the ' New Building Fund ' , a lot to the south was sold for $ 150 , 000 , a tax on beer added $ 50 , 000 , bequests by deceased members , notably one from Major James Bell , of $ 15 , 000 and surpluses were added to the RCMI coffers . The Executive Committee of the RCMI acquired a 75 - foot lot to the south of the present clubhouse for $ 1 , 000 a foot to build a new clubhouse . In 1955 , the back part of the clubhouse , which was over 100 years old was demonished and rebuilt . In 1948 , the RCMI membership was 2389 however , by 1958 , the RCMI membership had dwindled to 1925 . Many members lived in the Toronto area ; however there was also a non - resident membership fee for members who lived in various parts of Canada but visit Toronto from time to time . By 1958 , seven or eight dinner meetings were held each year at the Institute . The announcement of the RCMI Letters Patent was made on November 23 , 1991 , in Volume 125 , page 3770 of the Canada Gazette . With the support of a majority of the members , in late 2008 the RCMI entered into an agreement to demolish the existing , aged building and allow development of a 42 - storey condominium tower in exchange for an increased space in freehold in the new building . The historic facade , and much of the interior , will be recreated in the RCMI ' s space in the new area , while freeing the institute from the increasing costs of maintaining a century - old building . Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed in 1 . 5 to 2 years . The Institute closed its building with a flag - lowering ceremony on June 18 , 2010 . The RCMI ' s century - old home at 426 University Avenue was demolished in 2010 . Though temporarily housed in the Albany Club , the institute will conduct a flag - raising on entering the new premises at the base of a condo tower erected on its former site . Members met at the Albany Club on King Street during the construction period , and the popular events of the RCMI , including Military History Nights and meetings of the Strategic Studies Committee , continued . Library and museum items were stored in appropriate locations , and work on the collections continued during the time away from 426 University . Past presidents . Ex - cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada are welcomed as members of the Institute , and several past presidents are ex - cadets . Honorary life members . Officer - holders of the Victoria Cross are automatically elected Honorary Life Members of the Institute . Membership . Membership in the CMI was limited from 1890 – 1940 to male army officers and ex - officers of Her Majesty ’ s forces . By 1912 , members of the Institute were mostly serving officers of the militia , with a few veterans who had served of the Northwest Rebellion , the Boer War , and the < a href = " Crimean % 20 % 0AWar " > Crimean War < / a > . In 1940 , membership was limited to male army , navy and air officers and ex - officers of Her Majesty ’ s forces . In 1948 , membership was denied to women . In 1958 , although many members live in the Toronto area , there was a non - resident membership fee for members who lived in various parts of Canada but visit Toronto from time to time . Applications are made for membership , moved and seconded by other members , posted on the board for a minimum period of 197 days and voted on by the Executive Committee . There are no membership drives and no organized efforts to bring in new members . Today , membership is open to men and women , military or non - military . Royal Canadian Military Institute Museum . The RCMI Museum programming involves the conservation and preservation of its collections . The Institute ' s museum collection includes primitive and modern weaponry such as guns , swords , spears , other weapons from around the world . Artifacts and other military memorabilia , many donated by members , include flags , badges , uniforms , and medals . Captain Roy Brown , who was officially credited with shooting down Baron Manfred von Richthofen , the " Red Baron " , in 1918 , donated the seat of the Red Baron ' s Fokker triplane . The art collection , with an emphases on Canadian and British Military History , includes : miniatures , photographs , Sketches , watercolours , prints , photographs , and oil paintings . The RCMI also has a collection of British , American , and French soldier figurines . Royal Canadian Military Institute Library . The Militia Institute , which was organized in 1878 , presented 200 military volumes on the founding of the Institute . Dating back to the eighteenth century , the library has military manuals , service journals , periodicals , and rare books . William Craven Vaux Chadwick , architect , designed the new CMI Library on University Avenue Canadian in 1908 By 1958 , the RCMI accumulated over 12 , 000 military and quasi - military books . The library includes a collection of Canadian regimental histories , squadron , and ship histories , books published in the Napoleonic era , army lists dating back to 1746 and British and Canadian officer lists for the army , navy and air force . The library has one of 4 collections of 134 volumes of correspondence exchanged in the United States Civil War in 134 volumes . Two of the other copies are in the Congress Library at Washington and the Smithsonian Institution in Baltimore . Col . George A Drew , who wrote " Canada ' s Fighting Airmen ” in the Institute Library , described the Library as " a unique treasury of British and Canadian military literature and journalism . ” The Library has a collection of Canadian Official War Photographs of World War One . There is a RMCI collection of Canadian Expeditionary Force Casualty and Nominal Rolls as well as Orders of Battle for World War One and World War Two .