City’s true colours shine with installation of new rainbow crosswalk

KITCHENER — Today, the City of Kitchener, along with local dignitaries, and community groups celebrated the installation of a new rainbow crosswalk located at Gaukel and Joseph Streets.

“We’re happy to support an initiative that reflects who we are as a city and what we value as a community,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “We respect the diversity of our residents and remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive Kitchener that celebrates differences and engages with its citizens in a meaningful way.”

The installation of the crosswalk was a resident-led, city-supported initiative, brought forward by members and allies of local LGBTQ2+ communities. The city was proud to support the initiative, as it closely aligns with its corporate strategies and priorities, which involve leading positive change through cooperation with residents, organizations, and the city. This project also advances the city’s Love my Hood vision and Working Together objectives, which seek to create a welcoming and safe community for all residents.

Made of a thermoplastic material that is highly durable, easy to maintain, and less susceptible to the elements than the asphalt it is bonded to, the rainbow crosswalk will remain a symbol of acceptance and belonging in the community for the next decade.

“KW Counselling Services and our OK2BME program would like to thank the City of Kitchener for this symbol of solidarity,” said Leslie Josling, Executive Director. “It is our hope that this crosswalk will be welcoming to all and help to bring a smile to the faces of those who cross it, while also helping to foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQ2+ people in our community.”

Cait Classon, SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s board president added “SPECTRUM Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community Space is thrilled to be part of organizing and celebrating in a permanent way the contributions of the LGBT people of Kitchener to the prosperity of the community.”

Residents are invited to celebrate the newly installed crosswalk during the tri-Pride Festival activities which will be taking place until Jun. 6, 2018.

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