New Charlottetown crosswalk design honours fallen soldiers

The City of Charlottetown is honouring veterans with three freshly painted crosswalks near the cenotaph where Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held on Monday.

The crosswalks, at the intersection of Great George and Granville streets, are painted in red and white stripes with an image of a soldier with bowed head and the words Lest We Forget on each end.

Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown said the city has received inquiries over the years about painting the crosswalks as part of the Remembrance Day ceremony. The city's public works department was tasked with finding a design and making it happen.

"Initially we were looking at poppies," Brown said.

"Now, Dominion Command for the Royal Canadian Legion said they did not want people walking over poppies. So we said, 'OK, let's try to find a solution this year.'"

Brown said the crosswalk design will remain in place "as long as the paint lasts" and he hopes it will become an annual tradition.

"It is a way for all of us to remember those who fought for the freedom of this great country we call Canada."

The city has also used painted crosswalks to support the 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities.