Crosswalks honouring veterans coming to Arthur, Mount Forest

WELLINGTON NORTH – Two crosswalks to honour veterans are set to be installed in Arthur and Mount Forest, against the recommendation of township staff. 

Council voted unanimously in support of the crosswalks during a May 19 meeting.

The crosswalks will be at the Frederick Street West and George/Smith Street intersection in Arthur and the King Street West and Main Street intersection in Mount Forest. 

In a report to council, staff recommended the township continue to prohibit decorative crosswalks, but councillor Steve McCabe suggested the municipality make an exception for the two veterans’ crosswalks. 

McCabe also suggested staff work with the Mount Forest and Arthur Legions on an agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, maintenance and funding for the crosswalks. 

Council approved those suggestions unanimously. 

In October, council directed staff to look into the feasibility of painting crosswalks in Arthur and Mount Forest “in honour of those who have served in Canada’s armed forces.” 

Staff’s response was outlined in the May 19 report, which stated that while they “recognize the importance of the Royal Canadian Legions in our communities and the significant of a decorative veterans crosswalk … staff do not recommend the installation of non-standard decorative crosswalks.” 

The reasoning for the recommendation includes:

• increased maintenance;
• installation quality (paint may not bind to asphalt or create a slippery surface when wet);
• the crosswalks may be targets of vandalism;
• decorative crosswalks are not recognized under the Highway Traffic Act and may create confusion for drivers and pedestrians resulting in safety concerns; and
• concerns regarding accessibility. 

In 2023, council received a delegation requesting rainbow crosswalks in Arthur and Mount Forest in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. That request was not approved. 

“I think that it’s important to recognize our veterans,” said councillor Sherry Burke.

She suggested staff work with the Legions to come up with one standard design so the crosswalks look the same in each community. 

“If the design is standard for both Arthur and Mount Forest then I would approve that,” said councillor Penny Renken. 

Hern asked about maintenance of the crosswalks, and McCabe said, “We have some service groups in Mount Forest and Arthur that are almost lining up to help with it. 

“So I think setting up a contingency fund for maintenance was probably one of the next steps that we can put forward into an agreement with the Legions, and then possibly have them retouch it and maintain paint if it gets chipped or faded …  that’s my hope going forward.” 

Renken said, “If the Legions are willing to pay the cost and the maintenance, I think that’s great, that it’s no extra cost to the township.”