Two new crosswalk designs, one in honour of veterans and the other to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of residential schools are now on permanent display on Ladysmith's 1st Ave. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

tribute crosswalks

Ladysmith unveils new painted crosswalks for pride, veterans, and residential school victims

Sep 12, 2023 | 5:34 AM

LADYSMITH — Colourful new crosswalks in Ladysmith celebrate what the community’s mayor calls the “living room” of their downtown.

In addition to the rainbow pride crosswalk located on 1st Ave. at Gatacre St., there are now two additional painted crossings, which were unveiled during an official ceremony on Monday, Sept. 11.

An orange crosswalk complete with feathers to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools is on one side of the Gatacre St. intersection. The other side is painted in blue with red poppies in the middle and the words ‘Ladysmith Remembers’ at the bottom, paying tribute to their veterans.

Mayor Aaron Stone said it’s a way for their community to celebrate and embrace diversity.

“We have a really strong vision of Ladysmith being the most welcoming and accessible community for people of all ages, incomes, abilities, and whatever their sexual orientation is, or what I would call injustices or marginalization that’s happened in the past, and too often the present.”

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A new design which represents the intersex community was added to Ladysmith’s current pride crosswalk. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

The pride crosswalk was updated to include representation from the intersex community, while the two new crosswalks have the themes of ‘Every Child Matter’ and ‘Ladysmith Remembers.’

Stone said these two new permanent additions to the community shows that all people are welcome in Ladysmith.

“To recognize that our veterans when they come back from serving our country have not always been treated the best way or provided with the services and supports they needed, or the victims and survivors of residential schools. Recognizing that all of those people had families and that it affects them deeply.”

Traffic was closed in the area overnight last Wednesday to give crews time to paint the new crossings, with the paint expected to stay intact for about a decade.

Over a thousand painted feathers were also added to trees lining Ladysmith’s 1st Ave, painted by local students.

Former president of the Ladysmith Art Council Kathy Holmes was thrilled to see the feathers adorning Ladysmith’s main artery and said it will help form a fitting tribute on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

The feathers were cut by hand and then painted by students from North Oyster, Ladysmith Intermediate, Ladysmith Primary, and Stz’uminus Schools. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Money for the crosswalks is from $407,455 in federal funding Ladysmith received in Dec. 2022 to refresh downtown amenities and support local businesses and economic development while also creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.

The grant money will also go towards the installation of a level 2 electric vehicle charging station, updated ‘Welcome to Ladysmith’ signage, and replacement and refreshing of brick paving, bike racks, and benches.

Ladysmith Legion members (L-R) Edward Graczyk, branch president Darlene Paulson, secretary Barb Martin, and Greg Paulson couldn’t help but have their ‘Beatles Abby Road’ moment along the new veterans crosswalk. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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