The new pedestrian crossing on 8th Street in Owen Sound where a rainbow crosswalk will be installed. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting News)
Owen Sound is moving towards installing a rainbow crosswalk in its downtown core.
The city’s operations committee is recommending a rainbow crosswalk be put in at a new pedestrian crossing being built on the east side of the 8th Street Bridge, near the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market and Sydenham River.
A report by Owen Sound’s Director of Public Works and Engineering Dennis Kefalas says more communities have started installing rainbow crosswalks at noteworthy intersections to show support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit community.
“It’s really a show of support that a community is inclusive and respects the diversity of others,” Kefalas told operations committee members at Tuesday’s meeting.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy says this is something that’s been talked about informally for some time, but they’ve never been able to identify the right spot for it.
He says the location on 8th Street East at the new crosswalk is that perfect spot.
“With the upgrade of the River Precinct we are tying to (bring downtown) into the future and into something that is more attractive for that next generation and I think this is important,” Boddy says. “A river is a lot like life or society. When you look at it, it always looks the same, but yet it’s changing every minute.”
“When you think of the attitudes in our community from the first time the (Pride) flag went up 10 or 12 years ago to now, our society is changing,” Boddy continues. “I think it’s symbolic to be able to put that rainbow crosswalk next to the river.”
Pending final approval from city council, Kefalas expects the rainbow crosswalk will be installed prior to June 17 — when the city plans to raise the Pride flag this year.
The new pedestrian crosswalk where it will be installed on the east side of the 8th Street Bridge already has the pole and lights in place. Once operational, Kefalas says a pedestrian will be able to push a button to prompt flashing yellow lights, obligating vehicles to stop at the crossing.