Markham’s development services committee has voted to move ahead with a veterans-themed crosswalk despite a staff recommendation advising against decorative crosswalks across the city over safety, accessibility and liability concerns.
The motion, brought forward by Coun. Karen Rea and seconded by Regional Coun. Alan Ho, passed in a narrow 7-6 vote after lengthy debate at a development services committee meeting on May 5, though the item still requires final council approval later this month.
The issue originated from a December 2025 council motion directing staff to study the feasibility of a veterans crosswalk in Markham.
In a report presented to the committee, staff recommended prohibiting decorative crosswalk treatments altogether, arguing non-standard designs could create safety risks, accessibility concerns and higher maintenance costs.
The report noted Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act does not provide guidance for decorative crosswalks and that provincial standards emphasize consistent white pavement markings to ensure clarity for drivers and pedestrians.
Staff also cited research from the Transportation Association of Canada warning decorative crosswalks may reduce visibility, create slip risks and pose additional challenges for visually impaired pedestrians.
Instead, the report recommended continuing to honour veterans through existing city programs, including Remembrance Day banners, cenotaphs, commemorative trees and benches, and military-themed street naming initiatives.
Despite those concerns, supporters argued the crosswalk would serve as a visible and meaningful tribute to veterans.
“Veterans crosswalks are being installed across Canada with a range of designs. This is not new or untested,” Rea said during debate. “A veterans crosswalk is more than paint on a road. It is a visible everyday reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy.”
Rea said she’s confident in staff can address any concerns raised and ensure that any installation is done safely and appropriately.
The city received more than 43 written submissions on the proposal, many supporting the idea.
Resident Stephanie Ware told council the crosswalk would create “a powerful, everyday symbol of remembrance” and help engage younger generations in conversations about military service and sacrifice. She suggested Highway 7 and Highway 48 as a potential location because of its proximity to the cenotaph and annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Others questioned whether a crosswalk was an appropriate way to honour veterans.
“Personally, I don’t like walking over something that’s supposed to be commemorative of the sacrifices that people made,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti said during debate.
While stressing he supports recognizing veterans, Scarpitti warned the city could face growing pressure from other groups seeking similar installations.
“I don’t want our city to start looking like Disneyland,” he said. “Once we do one, we know we’ve had other requests of groups that want crosswalks.”
Coun. Amanda Collucci echoed similar concerns, saying she would feel uncomfortable “to walk on those crosswalks or even drive over it,” especially during winter conditions when snow and salt would cover the design.
Coun. Keith Irish pushed back against the staff recommendation, arguing the report focused too heavily on “rules, regulations, maintenance and potential liability” and not enough on veterans, their families and the broader significance of public commemoration.
The development services committee ultimately voted to move ahead with the veterans crosswalk proposal, with Rea suggesting Markham Village as a starting point, if the location is appropriate, the city can review to see if it could be expanded to another area.
By Scarlett Liu, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on May 14, 2026 at 09:35
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