Shelburne to install rainbow crosswalk for Pride Month

June 1, 2023 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Shelburne will have one of its crosswalks adorned with a rainbow of colour in a show of support for local LGBTQ+ community members in recognition of Pride Month.

During their meeting on Monday (May 29), Shelburne Town Council approved the location for a Pride Crosswalk at the intersection of Victoria St. and Main St.

“We as the Town of Shelburne had indicated through out DEI committee that staff was going to be looking at developing a program whereby we potentially in the town of Shelburne might have up to 10 crosswalks with various themes over the next five to 10 years,” said Denyse Morrissey, chief administrative officer.

The first painted crosswalk in Shelburne was installed for Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day in the fall of 2022 at the intersection of William Street and Main Street. Alongside the Pride Crosswalk, the town is also looking at potentially installing a third ‘Lest We Forget’ crosswalk in honour of Remembrance Day.

As part of the crosswalk painting program, various potential locations have been highlighted for future designs, including Adeline St. at Main St., First Ave. at Owen Sound, Greenwood St. at Robert Street, James St. at Main St. Jelly St. at Main St. (north and south sides), Simon St. at Main St., William Street at First Avenue.

“We think that the locations that we’ve provided potentially would facilitate a great walking tour, an educational component and celebrate not only diversity but arts, culture, and heritage.”

According to the report to the council, the estimated cost for the crosswalk painting installation is $1,000.

The longevity of the painted crosswalks has been a concern raised by councillors. Installed in September of 2022, the Every Child Matters crosswalk has already deteriorated more drastically than was anticipated, with its paint and feathered design no longer visible. The repainting of the crosswalk has been included in the 2023 budget.

Mayor Wade Mills questioned if the town could use a vinyl application on the pavement to help with the longevity of the installation.

“While we appreciate that that is a great solution in a warmer climate, the challenge with our roads is that we put major salt and sand application. We also use plows that would scrape up the vinyl, so unfortunately, it’s certainly not an opportunity for us to pursue,” said Morrissey.

The Pride Crosswalk is set to be installed at Victoria Street and Main Street by Tuesday (May 31), ahead of the town’s proclamation and flag-raising ceremony at Jack Downing Park on June 1, in recognition of Pride Month.