Oakville celebrating diversity and inclusion with installation of rainbow crosswalks in June
Published April 27, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Oakville crosswalks will soon be lit up with the colours of a rainbow.
Looking to celebrate diversity and inclusion, the Town announced it will be installing its first rainbow crosswalks this June.
Town council approved the implementation and $30,0000 in funding on Monday night for the installation of three rainbow crosswalks at key locations within Oakville’s Business Improvement Areas.
With June being Gay Pride Month and to align with area Pride Month celebrations, it’s expected work on the multi-coloured crosswalks will be completed by June 18.
The crosswalks will be installed on Lakeshore Road at the intersections of Navy Street, Kerr Street and Bronte Road.
“My Council colleagues and I are committed to inclusion and celebrating the diversity of Oakville,” Mayor Rob Burton said. “This important initiative is a way to demonstrate the town’s solidarity with members of the LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities here across the country and around the world.
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“I am delighted that this project is moving forward.”
The Town had received a number of requests from students and local residents asking to add the rainbow crosswalks as a gesture of support to the LGBTQ2+ community.
After consultation with the groups and research, it was decided the Town will use a longitudinal design style for the crosswalks and feature the Pride flag colours along with black and brown stripes to represent Oakville’s diversity.
“We want to ensure Oakville is a place where everyone feels welcome. The many and diverse individuals living and working in our community are the heart of Oakville,” Town of Oakville CAO Jane Clohecy said.
“As a municipality, we continue to strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all of our efforts to ensure Oakville is a welcoming community for all.”
Recommended in the Advancement of Community Infrastructure report from Burton, the plan was brought forward to Council at a March 29, 2021 meeting.
For more on the Town of Oakville’s commitment to inclusion, visit oakville.ca/residents/diversity-inclusion-action.html.
TOWN OF OAKVILLE PHOTO
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