Local Veterans Honoured, Memorial Crosswalk in Lakefield Unveiled
Lakefield, ON – Peterborough County, Selwyn Township, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield joined veterans, community members, and invited guests on June 20, 2026, to unveil the new Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in downtown Lakefield, a lasting tribute recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of local veterans and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield.
The unveiling, emceed by Lorna McDonald, President of the Lakefield Legion, included remarks from Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis, MPP Dave Smith, and Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation, with the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, local veterans, and other invited guests in attendance.
The crosswalk was completed through a collaborative partnership between the Lakefield Legion Branch 77, Peterborough County, and Selwyn Township. Peterborough County contributed to the road marking installation, while Selwyn Township supported the unveiling event as part of the Legion's 100th anniversary celebrations.
In 2026, the Royal Canadian Legion is recognizing 100 years of supporting veterans, strengthening communities, and advancing remembrance across Canada. As one of the earliest chartered branches, Branch 77 Lakefield is also marking its 100th anniversary.
"The Lakefield Legion got our charter in 1926, and Branch 77 is celebrating this milestone too," said Lorna MacDonald, President of the Lakefield Legion. "One of the big goals we had this year was to have a Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in Lakefield.
We have been wanting to make this happen for quite a while, and we thought our 100th anniversary would be a fitting time. The crosswalk is meant to express our gratitude to the veterans in our area who have served or are still serving. We were pleased that our County and Township partnered with us to make this crosswalk happen."
Concluding the Legion ceremony, Lakefield Legion's Second World War veterans were escorted by Lakefield Legion past-president Jim Marsden, followed by other local veterans and then the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party.
The Veterans Memorial Crosswalk will serve as a visible year-round reminder of the service and sacrifice of veterans in the Lakefield area and the community's continued commitment to remembrance. The project reflects the power of local partnerships and a shared commitment to recognizing the contributions of veterans while fostering remembrance within the community.
Quotes
"The Veterans Memorial Crosswalk is a meaningful tribute that honours the service and sacrifice of veterans from our communities. Peterborough County is proud to partner with Selwyn Township and the Lakefield Legion Branch 77 on a project that recognizes those who have served our country while creating a lasting symbol of remembrance for residents and visitors alike. As we celebrate the Legion's 100th anniversary, this crosswalk stands as a visible reminder of the courage, dedication, and legacy of our veterans." Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County
"The Veterans Memorial Crosswalk is a visible and lasting tribute to those who have served our country with courage and dedication. As we mark the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, this project provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and to ensure their legacy is remembered by future generations. On behalf of Selwyn Township Council, I am proud to see this meaningful tribute become part of our community." Sherry Senis, Mayor, Selwyn Township
"The Veterans Memorial Crosswalk in Lakefield is a meaningful reflection of what can be achieved through strong community partnerships. This project serves as a public recognition of the service and sacrifice of our veterans. We're proud to work alongside our partners at Selwyn Township and the Lakefield Legion Branch 77 to deliver infrastructure that enhances Peterborough County while honouring those who have served." Doug Saccoccia, General Manager, Engineering and Construction, Peterborough County
Media Contacts
Peterborough County
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
705-743-0380
communications@ptbocounty.ca
Selwyn Township
Angela Chittick
Manager of Community & Corporate Services/Clerk
705-292-9507
achittick@selwyntownship.ca
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 Lakefield
Lorna McDonald
President
705-652-7988
lkfdlegionbr77@hotmail.com