On June 23, Niagara Region unveiled a “Pride Crosswalk” that stretches six lanes across the intersection outside regional government headquarters, which is also a high-foot-traffic area for Brock University students.
The “Progress Pride” flag was painted on the intersection between a McDonalds parking lot and the “Everyone Welcome” sign outside of Niagara Region headquarters.
Cost unknown
The press release does not contain information about which municipality authorized the “Pride Crosswalk”, nor its cost, nor which municipality funded its installation and upkeep.
In May, Thorold city council voted against a “Pride Crosswalk” in another area of the city, citing cost–$27,000, plus upkeep, reported St. Catharines Standard.
It was also reported that a similar sized financial figure was attached to the newly installed “Pride Crosswalk” which was unveiled in Welland at the beginning of June, referred often as “Pride Month”.
Therefore the price-tag of the region’s rainbow road may exceed $30,000.
It is unknown how often it will need to be replaced due to regular use as a road.
“Most inclusive community possible”
Niagara Region chair Jim Bradley offered these comments:
“The installation of this crosswalk is a demonstration of our commitment to build an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome. On behalf of Regional council, I want to thank our partners at Brock University for helping design this crosswalk and for the members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community for sharing their feedback on this initiative. We will continue promote, educate and drive awareness of gender and sexually diverse individuals in our community as part of our efforts to build the most inclusive community possible.”
DEI Chair, Sabrina Hill: Crosswalk is “a symbol; a pledge […] a beacon”
Sabrina Hill, chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee attended the ceremony says she made these comments:
“[…]
Missing in my young life at the time was a system of support. Those support systems are still just in their infancy; just now being realized. There are places and allies in our community for young people to seek out. While the work of our public institutions to assist gender-diverse residents is never entirely complete, this crosswalk is a symbol; a pledge.
More precisely, this crosswalk serves a beacon. This crosswalk represents more than just some paint on a well-trafficked road. It’s a symbol of acceptance, pride, of hope, and opportunity. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen; for letting the next young version of me out there know that their existence is acknowledged; accepted; that they are loved; and that there is hope.”
