COLD LAKE – A request by a retired veteran to create a veterans’ crosswalk near the cenotaph in Cold Lake was put before City of Cold Lake council on Nov. 26.
Rich Kotowicz and colleagues Audrey Cote and Michael Williams made the presentation during the last regular council meeting. The proposed veteran themed paint scheme for the crosswalk near the Cold Lake cenotaph could be part of future upgrades to the area.
Kotowicz described himself as “a proud retired veteran and an avid volunteer in our community.
The proposed crosswalk design aligns with similar initiatives across Canada, heard council. Kotowicz explained, “We are here collectively to present a proposal that is gaining traction across Canada and cities such as Cochrane, Calgary, Hamilton, Chatham, Langford - just to name a few - to honour the military community and our veterans.”
Kotowicz noted the significance of upgrading the existing sidewalk and crosswalk near the Legion and cenotaph.
“Renovations and upgrades and the present sidewalk from the Legion to the cenotaph is in the scope of these needed repairs. We are here to request the design of the crosswalk to be modified to accommodate the recognition of veterans and fallen military members of our community.”
He added, “We are looking for your consideration and approval to this valued awareness."
City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland commended the initiative and outlined the next steps.
“I think what the next step will be is Kevin Nagoya’s (CAO) staff will bring it back to the next council meeting, possibly a quick turnaround, and we’ll discuss further on direction,” said Copeland.
The mayor also noted the growing significance of the cenotaph to residents.
“We've actually had somebody else inquire about the cenotaph just the other day, so I think more and more of the residents are seeing its importance.”
Kotowicz emphasized the emotional importance of the potential project.
“There’s a few members from the base and stuff that have passed away, and it’s something that we as veterans would like to honour.”
Council thanked Kotowicz for his presentation and confirmed that the proposal would be revisited at a future meeting in December.
