Essex Celebrates Its Unique Position On The 42nd Parallel

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If you travel along the southern reaches of the Arner Townline, County Road 50, Erie Street South or Dunn Road, you’ll notice some new pavement markings.

The Town of Essex is celebrating its unique position on the 42nd parallel by marking four key locations at which travelers cross the circle of latitude that the municipality shares with northern California, the French Riviera and Rome, Italy.

“Our 42nd Parallel Project is intended to support the wine and tourism industry that is continually expanding along County Road 50 near Colchester Centre,” says Doug Sweet, Director of Community Services. “The new pavement markings have been applied directly to the road in four places to raise awareness about the 42nd parallel and to promote it as a remarkable wine route and tourist destination.”

The bi-directional road markings feature a large, white “42” against a black background. Two iconic elements of the Town of Essex logo have been incorporated into the design— the Essex wordmark and the four-colour wave.

“The road markings are just the beginning,” says Sweet. “We plan to develop a marketing strategy related to the 42nd parallel that will be memorable and a point of distinction for our municipality.”

A large marker at Point Pelee National Park also celebrates the 42nd parallel.