Canada’s first military-connected college crosswalk opens at Fanshawe

Hundreds gather at Fanshawe College to watch the unveiling of Canada's first military crosswalk at a college. CTV London's Lauren Stallone reports.

Hundreds gathered at Fanshawe College Wednesday afternoon to officially open the first military-connected college crosswalk in Canada.

Peter Devlin, president of Fanshawe College, said this is an opportunity to highlight the unique needs of students, CAF members, veterans, and their families.

“We can assist them in their learning journey to allow them to achieve their goals and their aims,” said Devlin.

Hugh Purdon, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, said he hopes the crosswalk brings the community and the military “closer together.”

“It really becomes a whole society,” he said. “Especially to those people in uniform.”

Purdon said it is important for military-connected individuals to further their education.

“Many of our soldiers are going through school in some way so balancing that personal, academic, and professional lifestyle is often difficult for some,” said Purdon. “This brings everyone much closer together and allows us to find balance.”

Mayor Josh Morgan was also in attendance.

He said initiatives like this one are important now more than ever, given ongoing tension between Canada and the United States.

“I’m a mayor of a city where I get to go to city hall and cast votes in a free and open democratic society and that didn’t just happen. It happened based on the sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces, and we are protected by those who continue to serve today,” said Morgan.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony came at a significant time for Canada’s military. June 1 was Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Day and June 6 will be D-Day’s 81st anniversary.

The crosswalk is located at the entrance of Fanshawe College Boulevard.