(Image from Meaford Council Report)
Meaford council has approved a recommendation to install a rainbow crosswalk at the Trowbridge Street East and Sykes Street North intersection.
During a council meeting on Sept. 13, council voiced their full support for a report from Meaford Director of Infrastructure Services Tori Perejmybida, for the installation of this addition near the public library.
The report notes the reconstruction of the Trowbridge Parking Lot and resurfacing of Trowbridge Street, as well as the installation of accessible parking on Trowbridge at the library is underway, and staff are considering this to be the opportune moment to install a rainbow crosswalk.
The crosswalk will feature the colours representing the aspects of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
“I think it is very timely and wonderful to see this come forward,” says Meaford Mayor Barb Clumpus.
Seveal other municipalities in Grey Bruce have installed LGBTQ2S+ flag crosswalks including Owen Sound, Collingwood, Port Elgin, and Dundalk.
An unveiling event is planned for when the crosswalk is completed.
Counc. Paul Vickers notes through reading the report, he became educated on the colours of the flag and what they represent, suggesting a plaque be put up nearby to inform other people walking by.
Perejmybida says she can speak with the library to see if they could potentially set up a plaque.
According to the report, the work will be completed as a portion of the 2021 line painting contract, and will be funded through the 2021 contracted services operating budget.
Vickers also brought up if there were any thoughts on installing something similar to recognize Indigenous people.
Meaford CAO Rob Armstrong says, “we are looking at options for that and intend to bring something back probably through the budget process for next year to potentially do something.”