Council approves veterans crosswalks in Elora and Fergus

ELORA – Crosswalk markings honouring veterans will be in place for Remembrance Day with Centre Wellington council approving a request from the Fergus and Elora Legions.

Fergus Legion president Randy Graham and Elora Legion president Don Cubbidge approached council last year hoping the crosswalks would be in place by Remembrance Day 2025.

Council directed staff to look into the possibility and potential cost and at a July 30 meeting, it recommended installing the crosswalks.

Managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker told council that staff had spoken with both Legion presidents, the diversity, equity and inclusion advisory committee, and had consulted the Ontario Traffic Manual, which offers advice and best practices on where decorative crosswalks should be placed to ensure pedestrian safety and minimize wear and tear costs.

In May council passed the Inclusive Community Policy that provided the framework for considering recognition and observances, such as flags and illumination for community groups or notable days on township-owned property.

“We had good discussion with the Legions and selected good locations,” Baker said.

In Elora, the crosswalks will be located at the entrance and exit to the parking lot in front of the township municipal office at 1 MacDonald Square. The Elora cenotaph is located between those two driveways.

In Fergus, the crosswalks will be installed at the two entrances to Norman Craig Square, from Tower Street and Bridge Street, where the cenotaph is located.

The Legion had requested that the crosswalk cross Tower Street, but Baker said the crosswalk will last longer where there is lower traffic volume.

“Then we don’t have to go to the thermal plastic paint,” Baker said. “We can use regular (crosswalk) paint,” which is lower cost and easier to maintain.

The cost to install the four crosswalks is estimated at $40,000 and would come with a warranty, he said, noting the vendor would touch up the paint in the spring if it’s needed. Baker said the paint should last five to seven years. 

Funding for the initial installation will come from the general capital reserve and subsequent maintenance costs of $2,500 a year will come from the transportation services tax-supported operating budget.

“The Legions have encouraged the township to request $500 per year from the Legions to assist the ongoing maintenance costs; however, there is no obligation for the Legions to provide any funding contributions,” Baker stated in his report.

A crosswalk at the Belwood cenotaph “didn’t come up in conversation with the Legions,” Baker said, adding the criteria on where to locate special crosswalks includes locating them at controlled crossings where there is a traffic light or stop sign. There isn’t that configuration near the cenotaph in Belwood. 

Council unanimously approved installation of the veterans crosswalks.