Three Metro Vancouver cities install 'Lest We Forget' crosswalks for veterans | Daily Hive

Three cities in Metro Vancouver install 'Lest We Forget' crosswalks honouring veterans

Maple Ridge veterans crosswalk. (City of Maple Ridge)

In recent months, several Metro Vancouver communities have unveiled permanent commemorative crosswalks honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian Armed Forces veterans.

At least three municipalities — Surrey, Richmond, and Maple Ridge — have installed the symbolic crossings near key locations for Remembrance Day ceremonies, including civic cenotaphs and Legion halls.

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The latest crosswalk was unveiled in Surrey over the weekend, timed just ahead of Remembrance Day. Located in the 17500 block of 57 Avenue in Cloverdale, the crossing sits directly beside the local Royal Canadian Legion — a placement rich with symbolic meaning.

Painted in red and white, the crosswalk features a silhouette of a kneeling soldier beside a maple leaf, accompanied by the words “Lest We Forget.”

surrey crosswalk veterans lest we forget cloverdale

Cloverdale veterans crosswalk. (City of Surrey)

surrey crosswalk veterans lest we forget cloverdale 2

Cloverdale veterans crosswalk. (City of Surrey)

“Every November, we pause to remember those who served and sacrificed for Canada,” Surrey mayor Brenda Locke said in a statement.

“This crosswalk in the colours of our flag is a visible tribute to their courage and dedication. As we pass it, let us reflect on the values that built our country: service, unity, and resilience.”

In September, as previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized, the City of Richmond unveiled its own commemorative crossing over No. 3 Road at Anderson Road, just steps from Richmond City Hall and the city’s cenotaph. Like Surrey’s, the design features a red maple leaf and the solemn message, “Lest We Forget.”

No. 3 Road veterans crosswalk. (City of Richmond)

Maple Ridge installed the largest of the three tributes in late August. Painted along 224 Street near Brown Avenue, adjacent to the local Legion, the bold red crosswalk also incorporates a maple leaf, a soldier silhouette, and the words “Lest We Forget.”

Together, the new crossings serve not only as vivid public art installations, but also as permanent reminders of the sacrifices made in service to Canada’s freedoms — ensuring that, long after ceremonies end, remembrance remains part of the daily landscape.

“This crosswalk serves as a visible and daily reminder of the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our country,” said Maple Ridge mayor Dan Ruimy.

“We committed to having it in place ahead of Remembrance Day this year, and by working closely with the Legion, we’ve been able to deliver on that promise. By honouring our veterans in this meaningful way, we are expressing our gratitude and deep respect while strengthening the ties between our history, our community, and our future.”

maple ridge veterans crosswalk lest we forget

Maple Ridge veterans crosswalk. (City of Maple Ridge)

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