Council takes steps to support Legion crosswalk

By Denny Scott

MINTO – The Town of Minto has directed staff to investigate the next steps of placing a themed crosswalk marking the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary.

Anne South, representing the Harriston branch of the Legion, told council on April 21 the crosswalk is proposed for the corners of Elora and Mill streets in Harriston, near the cenotaph.

South said the crosswalk is estimated to cost between $6,000 and $7,000, and asked council to contribute $3,000 to the project.

Legion representatives provided a quote to the municipality estimating the cost to be between $5,460 (themed crosswalk with text and soldiers printed on both sides) to $5,582 (themed crosswalk with text and soldiers printed on both sides and a maple leaf in the middle). In a letter to council, South said the project would honour those who served.

“The Harriston [Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion] is very proud of our community participation in Remembrance Day and other activities recognizing our veterans,” South stated in the letter. 

“This is especially true of our elementary students, whether it is in the form of entering a picture or story in the Legion-sponsored contest or their participation in the Remembrance Day celebrations. 

“A crosswalk so close to the cenotaph would keep this memory alive. It would also provide children and adults alike the opportunity to remember the sacrifices our brave veterans have made in order for Canada to remain the strong and free country it is today.”

The Legion, according to South, serves as a hub for community groups and seniors organizations, monthly clinics, food delivery services and other initiatives.

“We use our space,” she said, adding the Catch the Ace program, which the Legion will draw from to pay its share of the project, has contributed $135,000 to the community, including donations to the local hospital foundation, food banks, sports clubs and school initiatives.

South then provided a history of the Legion and its members’ efforts in the community.

Councillor Geoff Gunson asked how long the crosswalk would last in a higher-traffic area, especially when dealing with large truck traffic. 

South said the estimates were four to five years, which led Gunson to ask how often the current crosswalk, just white paint on the road, was painted. Staff explained it was done annually, but that was with a less durable paint than what is being suggested for the crosswalk.

Councillor Judy Dirksen asked if this was part of a larger project, including crossing lights, and South said that wasn’t the intent.

“It’s already a stop sign,” she said.

After some discussion, council directed staff to return with a report and recommendation to proceed with the project.