1st Ave. in Ladysmith will be closed overnight on Sept. 6 starting at 5 p.m. between Roberts St. and High St. as crews paint two new crosswalks and update a third. (Google Maps)

By Jordan Davidson

colourful crossings

Overnight street closure in downtown Ladysmith to paint tribute crosswalks

Sep 6, 2023 | 4:09 PM

LADYSMITH — Two crosswalks are being repainted in the heart of the downtown, while another colourful crossing is getting an update.

One of the new crosswalks will be painted to the theme of ‘Every Child Matters’ to honour victims and survivors of residential schools, while the other will be a tribute to veterans, with the theme of ‘Ladysmith Remembers’.

The Town rainbow crosswalk will also be repainted to include representation from the intersex community.

Downtown roads will be closed to traffic in the area of 1st Ave. between Roberts St. and High St. starting Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. until at least the following morning, as contractors need to give the paint enough time to set without vehicle or foot traffic interference.

Gatacre St. will also be closed at this time, and no street parking will be allowed in the area.

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There will be an official unveiling of the crosswalks on-site starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11.

In addition, over a thousand feathers have been hung from trees along 1st Ave. by the Arts Council of Ladysmith & District. Along with the ‘Every Child Matters’ crosswalk, this will serve as a reminder and tribute as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Sept. 30.

The feathers were cut by hand and painted by students from North Oyster, Ladysmith Intermediate, Ladysmith Primary, and Stz’uminus Schools.

Money for the crosswalks is from $407,455 in federal funding Ladysmith received in Dec. 2022 to refresh downtown amenities, 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.

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