The City of Kitchener has unveiled a new commemorative crosswalk honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans, just days before Remembrance Day. The memorial, located at Borden Avenue North and East Avenue, stands across from the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (The Aud) — a site already steeped in remembrance as a “living memorial” to those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
City officials, including Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and members of the Kitchener City Council, were joined by veterans from the Royal Canadian Legion Fred Gies Branch 50, Polish Veterans Branch 412, and The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada for the official unveiling. The event brought together community members, military representatives, and sponsors who played a role in bringing the project to life.
A Symbol of Gratitude and Reflection
Mayor Vrbanovic said the crosswalk was designed to serve as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans throughout Canada’s history.
“The installation of the veterans crosswalk serves as a lasting symbol of gratitude for the service and sacrifice of Canadian veterans,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “On Remembrance Day and every day, I invite the community to visit and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve. Together, let us stand for peace and show kindness to each other.”
Developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion and local regimental groups, the crosswalk reflects a shared commitment to honouring those who have served — and those who continue to serve — in Canada’s armed forces.
The project also received sponsorship and support from the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Regimental Trust, Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc., and the 78th Fraser Highlanders – Fort Conestoga Garrison.
Council-Led Initiative
The idea for the tribute was introduced by Ward 7 Councillor Bil Ioannidis, whose motion to create a veterans’ crosswalk was unanimously supported by City Council. The motion directed city staff to work alongside veterans’ groups to select an appropriate location and design that would embody both the solemnity and significance of the tribute.
Councillor Ioannidis said the project serves as a reminder of the heavy price paid by Canadian service members throughout history.
“More than 110,000 Canadian soldiers gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, with many more lives lost in other conflicts,” said Councillor Ioannidis. “As time goes on, the number of living veterans continues to decline. It is crucial that we honour and remember the sacrifices made by these brave individuals, many from our very own community.”
The crosswalk represents both a physical and symbolic gesture — transforming a routine part of city life into a space for remembrance.
Honouring the Legacy of The Aud
The choice of location was deliberate. The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, affectionately known as The Aud, was originally built to serve as a “living memorial” to the city’s fallen soldiers. Since opening in 1951, it has stood as both a gathering place and a tribute to local heroes who never returned from the front lines.
The new crosswalk, situated directly across from the building, reinforces that connection between everyday life and commemoration. Each step taken across it, city leaders say, is meant to encourage reflection on the values of freedom and peace that veterans fought to defend.
A Living Tribute
City officials hope that the new memorial will encourage residents and visitors alike to pause and reflect — not only on Remembrance Day, but throughout the year. The crosswalk’s striking design is intended to catch the eye of passersby, transforming an ordinary act of crossing the street into a moment of remembrance.
“The crosswalk will transform an ordinary act of crossing the street into a moment of reflection,” reads a city statement. “It will remind residents and visitors of the cost of freedom and the bravery it demands. The City invites the community to visit, reflect and remember. Lest We Forget.”
The unveiling of the veterans’ crosswalk adds another layer to Kitchener’s tradition of commemorating those who have served. It represents the city’s enduring respect for its veterans — and a promise that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
