A new commemorative orange crosswalk laid in Pickering on October 30, has deteriorated due to weather, and will be restored in spring of 2022.
It was installed to honour indigenous communities affected by the residential school system.
“The City of Pickering is disheartened to announce that the multiple coats of paint used for the commemorative orange crosswalk have not been able to properly cure and adhere to the pavement, due to the consistent cold and rainy weather experienced over the last two weeks of October,” said a city statement. “This resulted in significant deterioration of the surface since opening to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.”
It said the crosswalk will be temporarily removed and restored in Spring 2022.
“This decision was made in consultation with members of the Indigenous Relationship Building Circle, and we have committed to installing temporary weather-proof signage near the original crosswalk in an effort to continue to educate the public about the initiative,” said the statement.
On October 30, 2021, the City of Pickering unveiled a commemorative orange crosswalk in honour of indigenous communities affected by the residential school system.
First of its kind
The first of its kind in Durham Region, the commemorative crosswalk was located at Valley Farm Road and the Esplanade North, and developed through a collaborative effort between the City of Pickering and the IRBC to honour the lost indigenous children, survivors, their families, and communities affected by the residential school system.
Indigenous residents painted seven feathers on the crosswalk to reflect the Seven Grandfather Teachings (Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth).
This crosswalk reaffirmed a community-wide commitment to advance reconciliation. Learn more at LetsTalkPickering.ca/IRBC.
It said the crosswalk will be temporarily removed and restored in Spring 2022. Who said?
It was part of the City of Pickering statement (referred to in the third paragraph). Thanks.