Volunteers sought to help paint veterans sidewalks as city gives project green light
A group of local community organizers are looking for volunteers to help assemble a last-minute tribute to Canadian veterans.
The Forest Lawn Community Association and Homes for Heroes teamed up to pitch the city on the idea of painting a crosswalk to honour veterans last week.
“It means so much,” said community association president Gar Gar, “because the voice of veterans, in many cases, are not heard. And this one is basically the opportunity to say your voice has been heard and your voices matter and we are hoping to look forward to have this.”
Other Canadian municipalities have launched veteran’s crosswalks, including Stoney Creek, Ont. (Hamilton), and Windsor, in the corner of Chatham-Kent, where the crosswalk was received with open arms by local veterans.
"This is shaping up to be quite a memorable Remembrance Day," said veteran Len Maynard, who also serves as president of the Chatham Branch 642 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
"This, in the Week of Remembrance, it's very touching," Maynard said, in an interview with CTV News. "This should really bring down what it's about when we come marching up the street."
Thursday, Gar posted an update on Facebook.
“I am grateful and humble to update you that we have met with the City of Calgary, Federation of Calgary Communities, Homes for Heroes and Everline Coatings and Service and did the walk through,” he said.
“We are excited to announce that the initiative will be in two phases due to short time and safety of the busy intersections.”
Phase one, he said, starts Friday.
“We received a green light/permit to paint/stencil the sidewalks/pathway surrounding 36 Street and 8 Ave. S.E. (Four sidewalks surrounding the crosswalk at that intersection).
“We are now in dire need of volunteers to make this possible,” he said. "Anyone who can volunteer to clean and help paint the four sidewalks starting at 11 a.m. Friday is asked to contact 403-826-0731."
Anyone who is available can meet at the intersection of 36 Street and 8 Avenue S.E. at 11 a.m.
With files from CTV's Christ Campbell
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation
Canadian arrested in Florida for allegedly possessing child sex abuse content
A 25-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Florida last weekend after police say he was caught with child sex abuse content.
Biden faces doubts over his legacy as he prepares to hand over power to the man he called a threat to democracy
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.