City of Cornwall unveils Veterans Commemorative Crosswalk near Cenotaph

The City of Cornwall officially unveiled the new Veterans Commemorative Crosswalk at the corner of Second Street West and Bedford Street, beside the Cornwall Cenotaph at Legion Memorial Park.

The crosswalk was initiated by Grade 6 students at Eamer’s Corners Public School as a meaningful way to honour local veterans and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have served Canada. The student-led project grew from classroom learning about remembrance, military service, and civic engagement, and was brought forward to Cornwall City Council last month.

The unveiling ceremony brought together students, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, localized military units, military organizations, members of Council, and City administration. The official unveiling ceremony included a remembrance march and a moment of silence, adding to the significance of the tribute. Located near the Cenotaph, the crosswalk will serve as a visible, everyday reminder of Cornwall’s commitment to remembrance and respect for veterans, current service members, and their families.

"This Veterans Commemorative Crosswalk is a way for our community to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices by those who came before us, " said Mayor Justin Towndale. “I want to sincerely thank all the students of Jennifer Tyo's Grade 6 class at Earmer's Corners Public School for all their hard work in getting this project started, funded, and completed. Their commitment to our community and to remembrance is inspirational to us all."

The project was also developed in consultation with the Royal Canadian Legion to ensure the crosswalk’s location and design were respectful, meaningful, and appropriate for a commemorative tribute. City staff also worked to support implementation at the selected location, which was chosen for its visibility, connection to remembrance, and proximity to Legion Memorial Park.

“The students who brought this idea forward demonstrated a remarkable understanding of service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility,” said Deputy CAO Matthew Stephenson. “City administration was proud to help support this project and work alongside community partners to bring it to life. This crosswalk will stand as a daily reminder of the importance of honouring our veterans and listening to the voices of young residents who want to make a difference.”