November 11th is Remembrance Day.
It is not uncommon for veterans and their families to express their desire to see more done throughout the year to honour the sacrifices made for our freedoms, not just on November 11th.
Some municipalities are working on crosswalk projects that will bring attention to those who have fought or died for our country.
Two newly painted crosswalks in Callander, dedicated to veterans, are turning heads and generating plenty of discussion.
One crosswalk is located near the waterfront.
“It comes off of our trail from our little Veterans Ridge which is a memorial for the veterans. It comes from there across Main Street into Centennial Park,” explained Callander Mayor Robb Noon.
The other crosswalk is located on Lansdowne Street which has also been designated as Veterans Way.
The project has been years in the making.
“It actually came out of a discussion in a budget in 2020. It was a couple of our community members said we should keep going and do things to recognize veterans,” explained Noon, who noted Callander Legion Branch 445 was approached for its input.
“We get along really well with our Legion, and we work really closely with them. I do know that we reached out to them and worked with them.”
Noon shared the background leading to the decision.
“In 2020 Council officially designated Lansdowne Street as Veterans Way to honour those who have served. While signage was installed, there has been interest from community members to further enhance the street’s visual identity. Veterans’ crosswalks have been implemented in other communities,” read Noon.
“So, staff reached out to the local Canadian Legion to get their input. They have responded and are in complete support of the concept.”
Staff shared with Council the rationale behind crosswalks.
“Veterans crossways provide symbolic value by visually recognizing service and sacrifice. They contribute to the beautification of a key corridor in the community, and create a welcoming, respectful streetscape.”
Cameron Clarke, First-Vice of Callander Legion Branch 445 says when the idea was presented to the Legion, the Legion indicated it would be pleased to have the work done.
“Actually, we were ecstatic,” shared Clarke.
“I’m very happy that they’ve done it for the veterans, and it is well before Remembrance Day.”
The work was generously donated by Blacktop owner David McDonald who comes from a proud military family.
His father was a CF-101 pilot and officer for 28 years, and both grandfathers served in WW11, which is partially why McDonald is doing the work at no cost to the municipality or the Legion, including annual maintenance for the next five or six years.
“I’m doing it all. My dad was in the armed forces, so this is something I want to do,” McDonald noted.
“We were a military family. We were raised on bases; we got transferred everywhere. It brings up memories of my dad in the forces and everywhere we travelled.”
While the painted crosswalks are still fairly new, Noon has heard only positive feedback.
“All I’ve got is that it is great, that it is a great thing for the community. I haven’t heard anything negative.”
A spokesperson for the City of North Bay has confirmed that Blacktop will be installing a commemorative crosswalk to honour Canada’s veterans near Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens at Chippewa and Ferguson streets in time for Remembrance Day.
The City is also developing a policy to guide future painted crosswalks taking into account factors like location, cost and other considerations.
