A Chatham-Kent Councillor is looking to have a rainbow crosswalk installed in Chatham, in support of the LGBTQ community.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor told the Sydenham Current he brought a motion forward after Chatham-Kent Pride approached him a few months ago.
“It’s really a community-driven initiative,” McGregor said.
“C-K Pride has worked hard for many years to gain more acceptance for the LGBTQ community in our Municipality. It’s really in recognition of that hard work and how far we have come.”
McGregor said this project would also be “a marker of how far we have to go.
“There is still significant challenges that members of the LGBTQ communities face… whether it is in their own family, at their places of employment or school. I think it’s appropriate that the Municipality demonstrates that we are an ally in that journey, which leads to a more inclusive community,” he said.
There is a number similar crosswalks in communities internationally, the closest being in London, Ontario.
McGregor said he believes the model in London would work well in Chatham-Kent and he is eyeing the crosswalk at King Street and Second Street as the ideal location.
He said his goal is to have the permanently installed rainbow crosswalk in place by the spring or summer of 2018.
As part of his motion, McGregor is looking for a staff report on the financial and infrastructure requirements for the proposed project.
Council is set to vote on the motion at the Monday, November 20 meeting at the Civic Centre.
– Featured photo credit: Pride London Festival, Facebook
– Inset photo credit: Municipality of Chatham-Kent
