Crosswalks honour veterans in Okanagan, Nicola as Legion marks 100th anniversary

The District of Logan Lake unveiled a new veteran’s crosswalk last week as a tribute to men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.

Located on Opal Drive, the design shows red and white stripes with the words Lest We Forget and a soldier painted on it.

“This special crosswalk stands as a daily reminder of the courage, commitment and resilience of our veterans and active service members,” reads the district’s website. “It’s more than just a place to cross the street, it’s a symbol of gratitude, respect, and remembrance woven into the heart of our town.”

The crosswalk is one of many already unveiled across the country and more are in the works as the Royal Canadian Legion approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026. The commemorative crosswalks are coordinated at the local level between city halls and legion branches.

Kelowna unveiled its commemorative crosswalk at the end of August. Located at the entrance to City Park at the intersection of Abbott Street and Lawrence Avenue, it was made possible by city staff and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26.

The District of Peachland unveiled its veteran’s crosswalk in November last year. Located at the corner of Beach Avenue and Second Street across from the cenotaph, the design is similar to the one in Logan Lake.

Last month, Penticton city council passed a motion to have a crosswalk installed near the downtown cenotaph “in remembrance of the sacrifices of our Armed Forces,” and in partnership with the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. With funds from the Gaming Reserve, the crosswalk is expected to be unveiled next year.

Similarly in a West Kelowna city council meeting last month, the West Kelowna Royal Canadian Legion requested the city paint a commemorative crosswalk at the intersection of Elliott and Dobbin roads to honour veterans. Council requested staff report back on the next steps to take.

Designs for the crosswalks are specified by the Royal Canadian Legion that provides templates and instructions for designs on their website, along with approved styles and paint colours.

The Remembrance Poppy is a legion trademark and cannot be used anywhere it could be walked on. The maple leaf honours the service of soldiers and its use is supported, but it isn’t advised to include red bands on the sides of the leaf to avoid it looking like the Canada flag.

It’s not clear if the legions in Kamloops and Vernon have plans for a veteran’s crosswalk.