Prince George’s first veterans crosswalk takes shape near CN Centre

“I have walked across there before, but this is the first time with what is going to become a significant crosswalk for us in the Legion here in Prince George,” Pendergast said. “So it’s an inspiring first step for Prince George.”

The Legion’s remembrance committee and the city worked together on the design. Pendergast said this effort connects to the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary and honours the veterans it represents.

He said this crosswalk is only the start.

“This is step one. Step two and step three will happen a little bit later. We don’t know exactly when,” Pendergast said. “But the significance of these crosswalks is to help Canadians recognize the contribution that was made by veterans during the earlier wars.”

Pendergast said the crosswalks are also meant to teach. He explained that more information will be added once the crosswalks are finished, to draw people in and remind them of past sacrifices.

“It’s part of the necessary education process for the younger generation,” he said, pointing to the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.

The location has its own history. Pendergast said the CN Centre grounds were once part of a military camp during the Second World War.

“That was all part of the military encampment back in the Second World War period. So it’s significant to us in the Legion in that regard,” he said. He also said the site’s history and busy location made it a good choice for the first crosswalk.

City councillor Susan Scott said Veterans Affairs started the idea, and it fit with the city’s charter for veterans.

“We jumped right in and said, this is something we want and need to do,” Scott said.

For Scott, the project is personal. Both her parents were veterans.

“If only one person in a day pauses and remembers, that’s gold to me,” she said. “This kind of initiative means a huge amount to myself and many, many others.”

Scott said remembrance should happen all year, not just on one day.

“Veterans aren’t just about November 11th. November 8th is Indigenous Veterans Day,” she said. “But every day we should, as a community, be remembering. And this will be a nonverbal way to help us do that.”

Pendergast said local donors have helped out. Prince George and PGE Plastic provided materials for the crosswalks, and he said these contributors will be recognized as the next phases move forward.

For now, the paint on phase one is still drying. But both the city and the Legion say this is just the first step toward a lasting reminder on the city’s streets.

by Dave Branco

Prince George’s first veterans crosswalk takes shape near CN Centre

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