JASON SETNYK
Students from Eamer’s Corner Public School presented a proposal for a Veterans Crosswalk during Cornwall City Council’s recent meeting, asking council to support a project designed to salute local veterans while encouraging youth civic engagement. The presentation highlighted research conducted by Grade 6 students into World War I veterans, remembrance, and military service, as part of an experiential learning initiative.
According to the presentation summary, students explored historical topics connected to remembrance, engaged with Legion Branch 297, wrote persuasive letters to councillors, and developed an understanding of municipal government processes and civic responsibility. The proposed crosswalk was described as both a public tribute and an educational feature intended to keep veterans’ stories visible within the community.
During the presentation, students asked Mayor Justin Towndale what the proposed Veterans Crosswalk meant to him personally and how it made him feel in relation to his military service. Towndale responded that the project was “a way to commemorate the sacrifice of those who’ve gone before and to acknowledge current military members as well.” He added that “it’s an important way of recognizing that” and praised the students for bringing the idea forward.
Towndale praised the students for bringing the idea forward and recognized the significance of the project. “It’s great to see our youth getting involved in flagging that and raising it as an issue and coming to council to present that, so it does mean a lot to me personally,” Towndale said.
Later in the discussion, Towndale assured students they would remain part of the project moving forward. “We’ll work with our administration to ensure that you are involved in the painting of the crosswalk and certainly involve you in its creation,” he said.
Councillor Carilyne Hébert congratulated the students for their presentation and civic involvement at such a young age. “I don’t even think I knew what a city council was when I was in Grade 6, let alone know how to advocate for community projects, come to council meetings, and speak so eloquently.”
Hébert explained that council would need to formally direct administration to study the proposal before moving forward. She introduced a motion asking administration to prepare a report examining possible locations, feasibility, costs, timelines, and implementation considerations for a veterans crosswalk.
“We’ll have all of us, administration, members of the public, have really great ideas and ideas are just the first step,” Hébert said. “We need to know how much things are going to cost, how long it’s going to take, where are we going to put it.”
Councillor Todd Bennett described the initiative as one of the most inspiring presentations he had seen during his time on council. “This is probably the most inspiring community-led initiative I’ve ever been a part of,” Bennett said. “This community has been long overdue for a veterans crosswalk.”
Councillor Dean Hollingsworth reflected on members of his own family who served in wartime campaigns, including Passchendaele, Hong Kong, Ortona, and Normandy. He said the proposal would help younger generations better understand military sacrifice.
“The cenotaph is certainly a place to start, but I think this crosswalk really brings it to light and allows young people to potentially understand the nature of what those particular veterans and Afghanistan and other confrontations, the things they had to endure,” Hollingsworth said.
Students also asked how they could remain involved if the project proceeds. Council members responded positively to the idea of students helping develop concepts for the crosswalk’s design and participating in the eventual painting process. The presentation concluded by emphasizing that the project had empowered students to become active participants in their community while learning more about local government and remembrance.
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