The city is looking into where a future rainbow crosswalk could be installed in Thorold after a presentation to city council last night.
Anthony Feor, a local realtor told councillors that a crosswalk would have a big impact and meaning for LGBTQ+ individuals in Thorold and Niagara, and better show the city’s commitment to inclusion.
“Visibility is key in the fight for equality, diversion and inclusion. I think it is time Thorold join the three other municipalities in Niagara in showing our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Feor, who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are here. We live in the community, we contribute to the community, we are small business owners, entrepreneurs, we work in the public and private sector. We are here.”
Suggesting a location of the intersection connecting the Moose and Goose and Thorold Community Credit Union, Feor said a central location would be preferred.
“It is the entrance to our beautifully renovated downtown. Just look at what nice colour that adds,” said Feor in his presentation.
“But most importantly, it’s visibility.”
Feor said, pointing to the tightly packed businesses and establishment that will be welcoming many Brock students back in the fall, as well as the anticipated comeback of tourists walking the streets.
“Some who I’m sure identifies within our community. They all come to our small town, so I think that it is a great welcome tool, and great visibility for the location.”
If the city goes along with the request, Thorold would the the fourth Niagara municipality to install a Pride crosswalk.
The suggested design is an updated version of the Rainbow flag, that has new elements in it, representing people who are transgender, as well as two black- and brown stripes, which lends support to people of colour, as well as individuals living with HIV/AIDS or having succumbed to the virus, which disproportionately has affected members of minority communities in the Western world.
“Most importantly, that flag makes societal progress visible,” said Feor, pointing to St Catharines, that chose to go with the updated design of the Pride flag.
Councillors expressed support to the idea of a Pride crosswalk, and asked staff to look into the matter further and come back with a report, detailing how the installation would be funded and where it could be located.
