Crosswalks dedicated to those who served in Canada’s Armed Forces are coming to the County in time for next year’s Remembrance Day.

Council voted to install “Remembrance Day/Lest We Forget” crosswalks by the Picton Cenotaph and on Wellington’s Main Street, following in the footsteps of a number of neighbouring municipalities. 

Council also pledged to consult with Consecon Legion Branch 509 to identify an appropriate location there as well. All commemorative crosswalks will be installed no later than 3 November 2025 to honour both Indigenous Veteran’s Day (November 8) and Remembrance Day (November 11) next year.

Councillor Phil St-Jean noted the great fanfare with which the City of Belleville announced their Lest We Forget crosswalk near the Veterans Memorial Bridge and Veterans Monument at Cannifton Road and Bell Boulevard. 

The red-and-white striped crosswalk symbolizes the poppies of Flanders Fields. The walkway features a silhouette of a soldier carrying arms at each end. Prince Edward County will use similar imagery.

“It’s a relatively inexpensive method of saying thanks to all those past and present veterans who have served our country,” said Mr. St-Jean, noting a great deal of support for such installations here.

The  crosswalks are estimated at $2,000 each, significantly higher than the $500 the City of Belleville spent. CAO Marcia Wallace noted our neighbours have municipal works staff and machinery that can paint roadways. The County must contract out for such services.

Councillor Kate McNaughton wondered about  contracting local artists to do the painting, but CAO Wallace said that was a non-starter.

“There are actually a lot of rules about painting on the road. There are certain types of reflective paint and standards to adhere to,” said Ms. Wallace. 

“In Picton, for example, because the Main Street is designated as a Connecting Link, we have to obtain Ministry of Transport approval beforehand.”