Photo: Darren Handschuh

It's been talked about for some time, now the Vernon Legion is urging city council to move ahead with plans for a crosswalk that honours the nation's veterans.

"I am pleased to say that the (Legion) membership has accepted the proposed concept in principle," outgoing president Ron Heuman stated in a letter to the city. "Indeed, we are most pleased that an artist and a donor for the paint have volunteered to sponsor the poppy crosswalk."

The idea for the crosswalk came up shortly after council was approached to install a rainbow crosswalk in the downtown, to represent inclusivity as well as the LGBTQ community.  Work on the eight-colour crosswalk is expect to begin on 30th Avenue this spring.

A veterans' or poppy crosswalk may be installed near the Cenotaph on 30th Street.

Local artist Amanda Shatzko, who created a number of giant concrete poppies for a memorial on the grounds of Vernon Secondary School last year, has offered her support for the project.

"We would like to thank council in advance for thinking of such a positive way to further honour our past and serving veterans," Heuman said.