Lest We Forget Sidewalk Project

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Lest We Forget

Community Crosswalk Proposal for Wetaskiwin

Prepared for: Royal Canadian Legion – Wetaskiwin Branch
Prepared by: Mark Dunbar
Date: October 2025

📌 Project Summary

My name is Mark Dunbar, a resident of Wetaskiwin with a deep respect for our city’s military history. I am proposing a community initiative titled “Lest We Forget”, aimed at installing two commemorative crosswalks in the downtown core by summer 2026.

This project would serve as a lasting tribute to Canadian veterans, the Cree Code Talkers, and Wetaskiwin’s local military contributions, including the HMCS Wetaskiwin (K175).

🎨 Design Concept

Each crosswalk will feature a simple, respectful red-and-white color scheme with the phrases:

• “Lest We Forget”
  
  

• “Cree Code Talkers” (including its Cree language translation)
  
  

Each side of the crosswalk will feature a different silhouette that honors a distinct aspect of Canada’s military service:

Crosswalk 1: Soldier Tribute

• Silhouette: Standing soldier at attention
  
  

• Text: “Lest We Forget” (bottom) and “Cree Code Talkers” + Cree translation (top)
  
  

📷 See Image Above [Design 1]

Crosswalk 2: Naval Tribute

• Silhouette: Naval Corvette K175 (HMCS Wetaskiwin)
  
  

• Text: “Lest We Forget” (bottom) and “Cree Code Talkers” + Cree translation (top)
  
  

📷 See Image Above [Design 2]

🗺 Proposed Locations

Original Proposal:

1. Across 50 Avenue — connecting TD Canada Trust to Seoul Japanese Cuisine
   
   

2. Across 50 Street — connecting RBC Royal Bank to Meat Shack Texas Barbecue
   
   

📷 See Image Above [Original Location]

City’s Alternative Location:

The City has suggested relocating the crosswalks to Jubilee Park, where the Cenotaph is located, allowing the current pride crosswalks to be repositioned respectfully.

📷 See Image Above [City’s Relocation Proposal Map]

🧠 Cultural & Historical Significance

This initiative extends beyond simple street art. Wetaskiwin lies on traditional Cree territory, and this project acknowledges the crucial wartime contributions of Cree Code Talkers, whose use of Indigenous languages helped secure Canadian military communications in WWII.

By incorporating both Indigenous and mainstream military symbolism, the project seeks to unite communities under shared remembrance, a reflection of both sacrifice and reconciliation.

✅ Legion Symbol Guidelines

I have reviewed the Legion’s official guidance and ensured full compliance:

“The Poppy should never be used on a crosswalk or where the symbol of Remembrance can be trod upon… There is no need to change other crosswalk symbols used to honor Veterans.”

Accordingly:

• No Poppy symbol is used in this proposal
  
  

• No Maple Leaf is painted on the ground (I share your concern and believe it deserves elevation, not subjection)
  
  

The designs focus entirely on silhouettes, phrases, and historic recognition respectful, appropriate, and timeless.

🤝 Support & Coordination

The City of Wetaskiwin has expressed a willingness to support the process, contingent on:

• City administration approval of artwork
  
  

• Paint meeting road-use specifications (All paint must be purchased through the City. White paint will be provided, as it is already part of the standard color inventory.)
  
  

• Temporary road closures and paint ordering assistance
  
  

I will personally manage fundraising and volunteer coordination.

💸 Financial Support

DaGraySky Publications (DaGraySky Literacy Society) has committed to making a donation toward paint/material costs. While they are not organizing the initiative, their backing has helped accelerate planning.

📣 Call to the Royal Canadian Legion

I respectfully request the Royal Canadian Legion to consider:

• Endorsing the project as a community partner
  
  

• Advising on veteran representation
  
  

• Participating in a ceremonial unveiling event
  
  

Your guidance and presence would lend credibility and honor to this shared act of remembrance.

📎 Attachments

1. Original Proposed Location Map]
   
   

2. City’s Relocation Proposal Map]
   
   

3. All Four Crosswalk Design Concepts]
   
   

Sincerely,
Mark Dunbar

Royal Canadian Legion - Update

The Royal Canadian Legion has voted in favor of the crosswalk project. An initial meeting has been held, and a second vote will take place due to a recent change in leadership. March is the proposed timeline for the project, and detailed plans are currently being drafted for final approval.