A Vernon resident wants to ensure everyone feels welcome in the community.
Travis Irmen has launched a campaign to have a rainbow crosswalk installed at 30th Avenue and 30th Street.
“It’s inclusive for our community to show support for everyone,” he said.
“It’s an inclusive symbol and not just about LGBT.”
Irmen insists there are also other positive reasons for the crosswalk.
“In Kelowna, the rainbow crosswalk draws a lot of people and has become a tourist attraction. It could help business,” he said.
Irmen has collected more than 40 letters of support for a rainbow crosswalk and he hopes to make a presentation to city council, possibly in September.
“The comments I am receiving are fairly supportive and some are confused as to why we need it, which shows why there is a need for a crosswalk,” he said.
Irmen is confident city council will take his request seriously.
“I’m hopeful it will go through,” he said.
“I hope we can be as progressive as Kelowna. I want us to be a progressive and growing community.”
Support is already coming from at least one local politician.
“It’s for everyone and says we are inviting and open,” said Coun. Dalvir Nahal, who admits that a budget would be connected to painting a rainbow.
“It would be a small cost to pay for a message of acceptance.”
Mayor Akbal Mund says more information is needed before council could consider possibly installing a rainbow crosswalk.
“I have no problem with it. The only issue for the community is the maintenance and upkeep of crosswalks,” he said, adding that the experience in other communities is the coloured paint can wear out.
Irmen’s campaign comes at the same time that the District of Coldstream is considering locations for a rainbow crosswalk.