Poppy crosswalk in Chestermere, Alta. unveiled at official event
A controversial tribute to Canada's veterans went ahead in Chestermere Sunday, despite some debate over the local initiative.
A series of poppies were painted on a crosswalk at Anniversary Park, home of the city's cenotaph, this week.
But the homage was met with some pushback from the national office of the Royal Canadian Legion, which was concerned with crossing feet and tires over the national image.
Further, the organization holds the trademark for the poppy and requires permission for use in relation to remembrance: something a spokesperson says it didn't receive.
"The Legion deeply appreciates efforts like these, made by community members wanting to help remember Our Fallen," a statement from communications manager Nujma Bond said. "Unfortunately this particular display would have unintentionally resulted in individuals walking on the Poppy image, which is deemed disrespectful."
The teenage designer and his mother said Sunday they were upset to hear there was an issue.
"It was more than a little frustrating," Trisha Davies said. "I just hope that The Legion will embrace this because there's so much support coming from our veterans."
The unveiling ceremony still went ahead, helped along by speeches by the local mayor, a councillor and MLA.
And while The Legion wasn't necessarily pleased with the poppy use, its Alberta Command did provide flags and Remembrance-related items for the event.
Chestermere resident Christa Hiebert told CTV News she was still disappointed in the response.
"This is something that can bring people back and remind you about the freedom we have in our country," she said. "Times are kind of changing. If you can bring awareness in a place that is going to continue to have honour, then I think we're doing the right thing."
The Legion says it was entrusted with the image by the federal government to ensure it "is safeguarded and used respectfully."
Guidelines for poppy usage can be found on the organization's website.
A spokesperson says it has been contacted by some in the neighbourhood who aren't so happy with the crosswalk.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.