A paving company based in North Bay, Ont., has received permission from municipalities throughout the District of Nipissing to install special Remembrance Day-themed crosswalks this week. The initiative, led by Blacktop Paving owner David McDonald, aims to honour military service members in a lasting and visible way. Personal commitment to remembrance McDonald, who is donating all time, staff, equipment and materials for the project, has a deep personal connection to the military. “I’m a base brat,” McDonald said speaking to CTV News Tuesday. “We grew up on bases all over the place.” His commitment extends beyond the initial installation, as he has pledged to maintain the crosswalks for the next five years, emphasizing the importance of the project to him and his crew, who are using a durable thermoplastic material for the artwork. “We’re using a durable product called thermoplastic,” McDonald said. “So, we mix it up.” Overcoming hurdles for a symbolic tribute The path to installing the crosswalks was not without its challenges, requiring significant coordination and adherence to municipal regulations. McDonald noted the extensive process to gain approval for his tribute. “It took a long time to get everybody on board to allow me to do this because there’s lots of rules that you have to follow,” he said. “I had to get lots of permission from everybody.” The work is now underway, with several crosswalks already completed. The crew has finished two in Callander, on Main Street and Veterans’ Way, and painted three more at the intersection of Chippewa Street and Ferguson Street in North Bay, with a sixth planned for East Ferris. The designs vary by location, with Callander’s featuring a soldier and the words “Lest We Forget,” while North Bay’s display a giant red maple leaf with the phrase “In honour of those who served and sacrificed.” Heartfelt recognition for the military community The crosswalks have been warmly received by members of the military community, who see them as a meaningful gesture of recognition. Cameron Clarke, First Vice of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #445, expressed his appreciation for the symbolic act speaking with CTV News. “It’s very, very special for a veteran to serve for their country and then with this kind of recognition now, it’s it just lifts the heart up a little bit,” Clarke said. Second Lieutenant Brooke Brown, stationed at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base, shared a similar sentiment, noting the personal significance of the displays. “It’s a sign of pride and it reminds me of why I’m here,” Brown said. McDonald, whose father was a CF-101 pilot and whose grandfathers served in WWII, shared a poignant family war story to underscore his personal connection to remembrance. McDonald said he hopes these new public symbols will encourage ongoing reflection. “I’d like to see people get used to looking at the crosswalk and think of their relatives that went through the wars,” he said. The design for the East Ferris crosswalk is still being finalized, with all installations scheduled for completion in time for Remembrance Day ceremonies.
