The Crossing is an annual community heritage event held at Lions Valley Park in Oakville, as part of Canada’s Culture Days celebration. Halton Region Heritage Services wanted the event to have its own visual identity — something that would help it stand out, build recognition over time, and reflect the character of the site itself.

The brief was closely tied to place. The valley, the Sixteen Mile Creek, the historic Knox Presbyterian Church, and the bridge that spans the park all shaped the direction. The identity needed to feel welcoming to families, evoke the warmth of a fall afternoon outdoors, and carry enough personality to become familiar year after year.

I developed three initial concepts exploring different visual directions. The committee chose the badge concept, drawn to the custom illustration of the bridge at its centre. The badge format gave the logo a timeless, collectible quality that felt well suited to a heritage event rooted in place and community.

The final mark centres on an illustrated rendering of the bridge spanning the valley, framed within a circular badge. The fall colour palette came directly from the landscape, and oak leaves were added as a nod to the town’s namesake. Bold, readable typography keeps the system clear across every application.

The logo has remained consistent for three years, while the supporting materials are refreshed annually. Each year, I produce event signage, digital flyers, social media posts, postcards, and activity passports that carry the same visual language forward.

The branding has been well received by the stakeholders, and the relationship has continued through three consecutive years of the event. The identity has also resonated beyond the original client, with other community leaders in the area reaching out for similar branding for their own events.