KITCHENER, Ont. – The City of Kitchener will pay tribute to its veterans with the unveiling of a new Veterans Crosswalk on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking a symbolic gesture of gratitude and remembrance just ahead of Remembrance Day.
The commemorative event, set to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the East Avenue Parking Lot of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, will feature remarks from Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, members of Kitchener City Council, and representatives from local veterans’ organizations. The ceremony will be followed by a veterans’ procession and a reception inside the auditorium, offering residents and attendees an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of Canada’s servicemen and women.
A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
According to the City of Kitchener, the new Veterans Crosswalk is designed to serve as a visible reminder of the city’s respect and appreciation for those who have served in Canada’s armed forces. The initiative forms part of the city’s broader commitment to recognizing local veterans through meaningful, permanent symbols of remembrance.
“This crosswalk stands as a daily reminder of the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of our veterans and their families,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic in a statement ahead of the ceremony. “By incorporating these symbols into our city’s infrastructure, we’re ensuring that the legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.”
The crosswalk’s location—outside the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, a site with deep community and historical significance—was chosen intentionally. The Auditorium has long been a gathering place for remembrance services, community events, and celebrations of civic pride. The new addition is expected to strengthen the site’s role as a focal point for reflection and community connection.
Community Participation and Ceremony Details
The event will begin at the East Avenue Parking Lot at 400 East Avenue, with parking available in H-lot off East Avenue. The ceremony will feature participation from local veterans, dignitaries, and representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Highland Fusiliers, two organizations with longstanding ties to the region’s military heritage.
Following the formal remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to observe a veterans’ procession leading into the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, where a reception will be held. The City noted that members of the media are encouraged to attend and will have access for interviews and photo opportunities throughout the event.
In addition to the ceremonial unveiling, the city has emphasized that the Veterans Crosswalk is intended to be both functional and symbolic. The crosswalk features distinct visual elements representing remembrance and unity, designed to resonate with both residents and visitors.
Continuing a Legacy of Remembrance
The creation of the Veterans Crosswalk comes as municipalities across Canada continue to introduce public spaces that honour military service in everyday settings—from murals and memorial gardens to specially marked intersections and trails. Kitchener’s new installation reflects a growing movement to integrate remembrance into the urban landscape, fostering daily acts of recognition rather than limiting commemoration to annual observances.
“Remembrance is not confined to one day a year,” Mayor Vrbanovic said. “It’s something we can reflect on in the simple act of crossing the street, seeing the poppy motif, and remembering the individuals who made possible the freedoms we enjoy today.”
The City of Kitchener has worked closely with local veterans’ associations in the planning and design of the project. Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Highland Fusiliers are expected to deliver brief remarks during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of community-led remembrance initiatives and the shared responsibility of honouring Canada’s military history.
Invitation to the Public
While the event is primarily a media occasion, residents are welcome to attend and witness the unveiling. The city expects a strong turnout from community members, civic leaders, and veterans’ groups, underscoring Kitchener’s longstanding commitment to supporting those who have served.
As Remembrance Day approaches, the dedication of the Veterans Crosswalk serves as both a civic gesture and a lasting memorial. It symbolizes Kitchener’s promise to remember — not just in ceremony, but in the fabric of the city itself.
Event Details:
What: Media event at East Avenue followed by a veterans’ procession and reception inside the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
When: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: East Avenue Parking Lot, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, 400 East Avenue, Kitchener
Parking: H-lot off East Avenue
