New Veterans Commemorative Crosswalks to be installed in Kingston

The City of Kingston is installing two new Veterans Commemorative Crosswalks at the intersection of Lower Union and Ontario Streets in honour of the service and sacrifices made by Canada’s military veterans.  

“Kingston has now joined many neighbouring cities and communities across Canada in honouring and paying tribute to veterans through painted pedestrian crosswalks that offer ongoing opportunities for reflection,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “There has been so much community interest in this project here in Kingston, and it's wonderful to see this come together in advance of Remembrance Day this year.”  

The crosswalk designs feature a stylized maple leaf and image of a soldier that acknowledge the service of all who stood on guard for Canada.  

The project first came about in late fall 2024, when veteran community members Lieutenant Colonel Perry Metaxas (ret’d) and Major Chris Catry (ret’d) brought forward a proposal to the City for the installation of commemorative pedestrian crosswalks in Kingston. City staff worked closely with the local military and veteran community on the location and design of the crosswalks.  

“The two commemorative crosswalks serve as a lasting tribute to the men and women who served Canada and honour every Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice, every family who has lost a loved one, and every Canadian who lives with the scars of war, both physical and mental,” says Lieutenant Colonel Perry Metaxas MSM CD (ret’d). “It is our obligation to ensure that their stories are never forgotten and that their legacy endures for generations to come.” 

Unveiling Ceremony  

An unveiling ceremony for the crosswalks is being held at the intersection of Lower Union Street and Ontario Street on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In attendance will be Mayor Bryan Paterson and members of Kingston City Council, as well as members of the veteran and military community who have participated in the development of this project in Kingston. All are welcome to attend.   

Please note the following road closures from 9 to 11 a.m. to facilitate the unveiling ceremony:   

• Ontario Street at West Street
• Lower Union Street at King St Street
• Ontario Street at Gore Street 

Additional opportunities for remembrance and reflection 

Indigenous Veterans Day is on Saturday, Nov. 8. This is a day of remembrance and recognition of the military service and contributions of First Nations, Inuit an Métis peoples of Canada.

The City will be observing Remembrance Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11 with a bilingual Civic Service of Remembrance, starting approximately at 10:45 a.m. at the Cross of Sacrifice Cenotaph in Macdonald Park (located near Murney Tower, on King Street at the foot of George Street), and a City Hall Illumination. Additionally, the City has been supporting the development and installation of a new National Memorial to the Fallen, located at Macdonald Park, which will be unveiled at an event on Nov. 1.