BURSTA Veterans Crosswalk is coming to Smithers.
Smithers town council approved the installation of a Veterans Crosswalk at 1st Avenue at Main Street as well as agreed to provide a letter of support for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 063 Smithers for their grant application to the BC/Yukon Command for painting the crosswalk.
Earlier this year, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Smithers submitted a letter to the Town of Smithers requesting Council’s support and approval for the installation of a Veterans Crosswalk in Smithers.
The Legion intends to apply for grant funding through the BC/Yukon Command to support the project. The Legion has also indicated that they have secured community support and are prepared to supplement funding if required.
Legion president Kristal Grenkie told council they aren’t expecting the town to pay for the project.
“The Legion does have the funds, and potentially we have funds by way of memorial, there is a young man named Pat Caden that left the Legion $10,000 a few years back, and we’re looking to use those funds, which have now grown to $12,000,” she said.
“I understand that there is some upkeep that could be made with a crosswalk. So we are looking to potentially apply for a grant. If we don’t get the grant, we’re willing to use the memorial money, or else the memorial money would serve as a pool of funds available for the upkeep.”
Patrick Caden died in 2021 of ALS at the age of 42.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 063 has committed to administering the project and covering all associated costs for the installation of the Veterans Crosswalk, including any required maintenance such as repainting.
Grenkie also explained why they would like it across First Avenue.
“Our most favourite option by the membership, is actually across First Avenue, not on Main Street, but between Heatherington and Hooper and BV insurance,” she said.
There are a couple reasons for that, the first being it will be visible from the Legion Hall.
“That’s where we line up for parades on Remembrance Day,” she continued. “We also actually have camera footage on the area too, which is oddly convenient. So we do have cameras that would be right on it that are just regular cameras for the security of our building.”
As a comparison, the existing rainbow crosswalk at 2nd Avenue and Main Street is typically repainted every 2–3 years, at an approximate cost of $10,000, depending on wear and tear. The lifespan and cost of the Veterans Crosswalk will vary depending on the materials selected, with cold plastic offering greater durability at a higher initial cost.
To ensure long-term upkeep, the Town will enter into a formal agreement with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 063 outlining maintenance responsibilities and expectations. According to town staff, the installation of a commemorative crosswalk aligns with community recognition initiatives and provides an opportunity to honour local veterans in a visible and meaningful way.
There is proposed completion date of July 31, 2026.