Sechelt could have its first rainbow crosswalk in time for next year’s Pride celebrations.
The district’s parks, public works and environment committee is recommending the crosswalk on Cowrie Street between Inlet and Trail avenues get the colourful new paint job.
Sechelt public works staff told the committee the work would cost between $7,500 and $12,000 and the money can be found in the department’s operations budget.
“Every year the District of Sechelt recognizes the LGBTQ2 community by a flag-raising ceremony at the Municipal Hall,” the report from director of engineering and operations Darwyn Kutney said. “The event takes place once a year during the month of June, where the flag flies for only a short period of time. To recognize the LGBTQ2 community year round, it is suggested that a rainbow crosswalk be installed at a permanent location in our community.”
After the recommendation to put the crosswalk on Cowrie passed unanimously, committee chair Coun. Darren Inkster said, “This is an idea whose time has come, and a lot of other communities are doing it… Thanks for taking the initiative.”
The recommendation was endorsed by council at the Aug. 1 meeting.
Plans to paint a rainbow crosswalk in Gibsons were dropped from the Town’s 2018 budget because of the cost, which was estimated at $9,000. The Town has not said yet if it plans to pursue the idea in 2019.
