By Thomas Smith
In 2026, Minden Hills will be doing its part to remember our veterans. In the future, we will have a crosswalk commemorating the sacrifice and protection of our country by those who served in our armed forces.
On Thursday, Oct. 9 Richard Schell, 1st Vice of Minden Legion Branch 636 visited the Minden Hills council meeting.
Schell had submitted a photo to council showing an example of a commemorative crosswalk depicting a soldier against a red and white striped sidewalk. The phrase ‘Lest We Forget’ is painted on the edge of the crossing.
Schell said that Bradford, Petawawa, Sudbury, and Midland have already unveiled their commemorative sidewalks.
“We are going with the idea of the cross hatch red and white,” said Schell. “It’s simple and kind of what’s there now. With a soldier on either end.”
Schell said that the Legion is willing to cover the costs.
“We would like to use a contractor that council already uses,” said Schell. “We would like to know if we could leave it there forever, who knows.”
The crosswalk that Schell is eyeing is at the corner of Bobcaygeon Road across from the CIBC in Minden.
“It is a worthwhile program,” said Schell. “Your CAO has already told me about one in Peterborough and I’d like to visit them if we get approval. Take a look, get some names, and get some ideas on how it’s done.”
“There are some things that work better than others so there’s going to be some research,” said Councillor Pam Sayne. “Congratulations, thank you for doing this.”
Schell said that Minden has already had contractors paint the sidewalks in town that have been holding up. With that prior success, he hopes to use the same contractor to help choose an appropriate paint.
“Thank you very much for coming in,” said Mayor Bob Carter. “I think this is a worthy cause and something that would add to the downtown of the village.”
“It would be the first in Haliburton County,” said Schell.
Council unanimously agreed to work with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 636 to have staff work with the Legion.
Councillor Ivan Ingram also requested a price for the upkeep of the crosswalk, in the event that the Legion will not be able to pay for its upkeep in the future.
