Veterans memorial crosswalk opened in downtown Ridgeway

A new veterans memorial crosswalk is open in downtown Ridgeway, where the Friendship Trail crosses Ridge Road.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 230 dedicated the crossing Friday, one day before the Legion’s national centennial. The painted crosswalk carries a soldier’s silhouette and the words “Lest we forget.”

Bill Thomas, a minister at St. John’s Stevensville United Church, spoke for the branch at the ceremony.

“I think it’s really important that this serves as a daily reminder of, one, the work of the Legion, but two, the service of those in our own forces, past and present,” Thomas told Fort Erie Radio.

The two local branches pitched the idea about three years ago after seeing similar crossings in other Ontario municipalities, Branch 71 president Murray Morlog previously told Fort Erie Radio.

The town paid roughly $4,000 to paint both the Ridgeway crossing and Branch 71 crosswalk on Legion Way.

UrbanMark Asphalt Maintenance of Niagara Falls painted the crosswalk and returned part of its fee to the town. The town scheduled the painting for after Ridgefest so festival traffic would not damage the fresh paint.

Mayor Wayne Redekop said the Legion branches pushed for the site because of how many people pass through it every day.

“This is one of the most prominent locations in our community,” said Redekop. “Many, many people throughout the year gather in this square. Many, many people cross Ridge Road at this point. They will all see this.”

Redekop thanked Branch 230 “for its persistence in ensuring that this vision became a reality.” He presented the branch with a certificate for the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary.

Regional Councillor Tom Insinna said he hopes the crossing reminds residents of what veterans went through and of members still living with the effects of their service.

After the dedication, Dave Baxter played ‘The Maple Leaf Forever’ on bagpipes, a song Thomas said was written in response to the Fenian raids in Ridgeway 160 years ago. Guests then returned to Branch 230 for a barbecue and live music.

The Legion’s centennial celebrations continue Saturday, when Branch 230 hosts a makers market at 228 South Mill Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Legion is also offering free memberships this year, which Morlog hopes will refill the branches’ thinning volunteer ranks.

Branch 71, which reaches its own 100th anniversary this year, will dedicate its crosswalk in October.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe