The City of Salmon Arm is proceeding with the first phase of a veterans crosswalk, though there are financial concerns.
The Salmon Arm Legion asked the city to consider the crosswalk at the intersection of Shuswap Street and Lakeshore Drive.
Mayor Alan Harrison made a motion to take money from a council initiative fund and have staff partner with the Legion to complete the crosswalk in June.
President of the legion, Lance Ewan wrote a request to the City in December 2025 saying the intersection holds significant to their branch.
“The crosswalk is directly visible from our building and is regularly used by our members, their families, and members of the community visiting the Legion,” Ewan wrote
“Transforming this crosswalk into a Veterans Crosswalk would serve as a meaningful and highly visible tribute to the men and women who have served our country. It would also demonstrate the City’s continued commitment to honouring local veterans and supporting remembrance within our community.” he said.
The city compared the cost difference compared to standard corridor-style crosswalk.
A standard crosswalk with no layout would cost $350, but with a layout would cost $550. The initial installation of the crosswalk with the provided design would cost $9,500 and to repaint it would cost $4,500.
Although there was discussion of flexibility in either materials or location such as banners or flags in the future, the Legion confirmed at their priority is to move forward with the crosswalk as the first phase.
Councillor Debbie Cannon voted against the motion, noting her concern of the longevity of the crosswalk’s physical quality and saying the painting would need more than an annual refresh.
“If we were to complete this in June, come November when Remembrance Day ceremonies are happening, it is, in my mind, not going to look good,” she said
