Coquitlam council appears to be lukewarm to the idea of a rainbow crosswalk and some councillors’ concerns are similar to those raised in other cities.
In Fredericton, N.B., a committee tasked with deliberating the matter raised concerns about cost, confusion for drivers and fears about other groups wanting similar acknowledgements in the city. Still, the Maritime town went ahead with it, with the cost paid by the Pride committee.
It seems now more than ever, we need these kinds of symbols to show that our communities are supportive of gay and trans people so Coquitlam’s reticence in adopting the idea is unfortunate.
It’s not like the city would be breaking any new ground. Vancouver had Canada’s first rainbow crossing painted in 2013. New Westminster has one, too, and paid about $7,500 for it while Port Moody is mulling the idea.
The fact that sometimes these symbols of diversity are vandalized show they are needed despite efforts by cities to become more inclusive.
If cost is a concern, maybe the Pride commitee could fundraise.
