Town votes to support commemorative Legion crosswalk development

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore has voted to support the Strathmore Legion Branch 10 in its effort to establish a commemorative crosswalk prior to the 100th anniversary of the organization. 

Discussion took place during the regular meeting of council, April 16, continuing from the presentation which was brought to the April 9 Committee of the Whole meeting. 

Coun. Debbie Mitzner inquired as to whether the town could support one crosswalk instead of the two which were originally proposed. Administration clarified their recommendation was for the town to provide resources for road closure while the crosswalks are painted, as well as to give the Legion connections to source their own materials. 

Financial costs to the town to support the project would be effectively negligible to support the project regardless of whether one or two crosswalks are painted. 

The town does not complete commemorative or atypical crosswalks on behalf of community organizations. Costs for crosswalks currently in place, such as the pride crosswalk, were completed at the cost of the requesting organization. 

The goal for this project would be to ultimately see its completion prior to the centennial celebration of the Legion. This project can likely see completion prior to July 1. 

Coun. Jason Montgomery motioned that council defer the crosswalk agenda item until after a policy related to permanent/semi-permanent public displays is completed. 

“This motion is not in any way a reflection of diminished respect … rather it reflects a principled commitment to sound governance and procedural consistency,” he said. “When council was previously asked to consider a request for a symbolic crosswalk installation, a rainbow crosswalk in support of pride, I voted against it not because I oppose any messages related to that or inclusivity, but because we had no policy in place to guide our deliberations.”

Coun. Montgomery emphasized a belief that council should not make ad hoc decisions based on the merits of individual applicants or the popularity of particular causes.

Coun. Mitzner expressed opposition to the motion citing that timing for the development of the project has been deemed of import in order for it to be completed in time for the centennial celebration.

“I would love to be able to honour our veterans, especially in terms of their 100-year anniversary and having a visual that speaks to our veterans’ sacrifice, especially at this incredible time, and be able to do it so we have a year-round demonstration of it; I certainly do not need to wait for any further information,” added Coun. Denise Peterson. 

Coun. Montgomery’s motion was ultimately defeated in a vote of 6-1 against, allowing the conversation regarding the project to continue. 

Coun. Peterson motioned that council direct administration to provide the necessary materials for road closure and assist the Legion in sourcing materials for the commemorative crosswalk. 

Coun. Montgomery expressed opposition to the motion on similar grounds to his previous statements as the town has not established formal policies regarding this type of request and does not wish for the governing body to express what could be perceived as favouritism towards any specific organization. 

Though Mayor Pat Fule agreed a policy does need to be in place to govern similar requests, he agreed time is of the essence for this project to see completion. 

Further, he added a belief in both the current council, as well as the next which will be elected in October, that either body would support this type of project and its merits. 

Council ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of Coun. Peterson’s motion, with Coun. Montgomery being in sole opposition.