Friday November 15, 2024 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
About 50 people came out to celebrate a new crosswalk on one of the oldest streets in Langford.
The Veterans crosswalk is out front of the Langford Legion (Branch 91) on Station Avenue. The primary consideration for the location of the crosswalk is the safety of people — particularly older folks or people with mobility challenges — to cross the busy street safely.
The crosswalk has red and white safety line markings and is inscribed with ‘Lest We Forget’ along with the image of a solider on guard.
The City of Langford recognizes the contributions of Norm Scott, President of the Langford Legion, Dianna Seaton, Nirmal Johal, and the many contractors including Fineline Road Marking, Draycor, Capital City Paving, and GT Motorsports, in addition to other volunteers and City staff who ensured the project’s timely completion ahead of Remembrance Day.
The need for a new crosswalk was identified earlier this year through community feedback. The City acted promptly to identify the most suitable location for the crosswalk to best serve those in the immediate area, while also considering accessibility and sightline safety.
The City prioritized several important steps to establish the new crosswalk, including converting raised concrete areas into smooth “let downs” to ensure the connecting pathway is accessible for all residents. The City also installed new crosswalk signs and opened and repaved the fence at The Langford Station parking lot as part of the project. The City has committed to cover any shortfall in the funds raised by the community for painting the crosswalk.
Alistair MacGregor attended:
Alistair MacGregor, MP was on hand for the sunny-day outdoor announcement together with City of Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson, City of Langford Councillors Colby Harder, Lillian Szpak and Mary Wagner, and Ron Coutre of the West Shore Developers Association. Langford CAO Darren Kiedyk attended.
This year MacGregor had attended the Remembrance Day event in Duncan on November 11, one of six in his riding that day.
Local support:
Also attending at yesterday’s crosswalk celebration was Westshore RCMP Superintendent Todd Preston, former City of Langford Councillor Lanny Seaton, and past president of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce Mike Reilly.
Attending from School District 62 were SD62 Board Chair Amanda Dowhy and Trustee Cendra Beaton.
Long-time members of the Langford community in attendance included former SD62 trustee Dianna Seaton and local resident Shannon Russell who was John Horgan’s MLA constituency office person and now works with the West Shore Developers Association.
Ravi Parmar, MLA sent his regrets, as he was presiding over the signing of the local Book of Condolences for the late John Horgan, at the Langford-Highlands constituency office.
Former Langford Mayor Stew Young did not attend, as he was taking part in a hospital fundraiser.
Langford Legion President Norm Scott was on hand for the big day, just two days after Remembrance Day which is of course the most significant day of the year for veterans. He’s been president of Legion 91 for 16 years now.
The traffic-related project had been in the works for a long time, going back many years. Langford City Engineer Kate Balzer was there on Thursday together and a few of the Langford city communications team.
Local residents in attendance included Mike Wignall and Nirmal Johal.
The Veterans crosswalk is the first of its kind in Langford, a valuable community-led initiative and a meaningful tribute that aligns with both the community’s needs and a significant important cause.
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