A new commemorative crosswalk honouring Canada’s veterans should be complete in time for Remembrance Day.
Town council approved the crosswalk, which is at the corner of Dalhousie St. and Murray St., and it runs in an east-west direction. Work on it began Monday and the painting of the crosswalk should be finalized before Nov. 11.
The red-and-white design is similar to a similar crosswalk in Hamilton. A depiction of a soldier and wording will be added when the stencils arrive.
Town council approved not only the crosswalk but also the associated expenditure during a special meeting held Friday afternoon.
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie called it “an exciting proposal” and pointed out the Chatham branch is also installing a commemorative crosswalk to honour veterans.
“We have the highest ordinary membership in southwestern Ontario,” said Wilkie.
Wilkie said it was an honour to have the crosswalk installed for the Legion.
In a social media post later Friday evening, the local Legion stated: “This beautiful addition, to be completed just in time for our upcoming Remembrance Day ceremony, symbolizes the respect and gratitude our community holds for those who have served—and continue to serve — our country. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the town, our local businesses, and all residents who helped make this tribute possible. Your unwavering support reminds us of the strength and unity in our community, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans. Lest we forget.”
Mayor Michael Prue said he had not considered doing the crosswalk “as quickly as this,” noting he saw it happening elsewhere and thought it was nice. He credited local resident David Wharram for seeing it and bringing it to the town’s attention.
“He saw it and thought it would look good in Amherstburg,” said Prue, who thanked Wharram for raising the issue.
Prue also thanked staff for acting on the issue “in a matter of days” and to get it ready by Remembrance Day.
Councillor Linden Crain said during the meeting that he and clerk Kevin Fox have been corresponding with representatives with Amherst Supply about donating to the project.
Future donations are always welcome by other individuals or businesses, with Fox stating donations may be made to the crosswalk or directly to the Legion.
Eric Chamberlain, the town’s manager of roads and fleet, said it will painted on stamped concrete.
“There should be no issues with that,” Chamberlain told town council during last Friday afternoon’s meeting. Councillor Molly Allaire asked about maintenance, such as whether the paint will fade. Chamberlain said the paint will wear but said there will be annual upkeep on it, similar to other crosswalks in Amherstburg.
Allaire wondered if it would come at the same cost as to initially install it, which is about $4,500, but Chamberlain said it would be less expensive to maintain in the future.
Funding would come from the roads maintenance general fund, which is part of the operating budget. Fox said it is an operating expense that goes to the maintenance of the roads.
“We would utilized that because we haven’t utilized all those funds this year,” said Fox. “The ongoing maintenance would continue to be funded through there.”
Councillor Peter Courtney said he fully supported the motion. He did note the road is a public right-of-way and wanted to know what the process is for crosswalks going forward, with Fox noting Amherstburg has a decorative crosswalk policy.
Requests would be brought to town council for consideration on their own merits, said Fox.
Commemorative crosswalk to be ready by Remembrance Day
By Ron Giofu
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