Yellowknife has one. Terrace has one. So do Kelowna and Grand Forks. Maple Ridge and Squamish have gotten with the program.
Now, the District of Coldstream may soon become the first North Okanagan community to put up a rainbow-coloured crosswalk.
Council agreed to have staff bring back a report on the best location for a rainbow crosswalk with updated costs.
This came Monday night after a passionate appeal led by local youth Aasha Sanders, who was joined in chambers by more than 30 fellow youth and adults in support for a rainbow crosswalk.
The multi-coloured crosswalks, said Sanders, “represent the freedom of expression, the freedom to be who you are and still be accepted and valued despite it.”
When it was originally pitched to the district, council denied the request due to safety concerns and a district policy of not supporting one group over another.
Fine, that makes sense. But as Sanders points out, the rainbow crosswalks are for everyone.
A rainbow connection in all communities is a matter of a little paint and a lot of pride in making everyone feel included. Sanders said residents could help fund the crosswalk. Why not?
The perfect spot for such a crosswalk in Coldstream could be the one at Kal Beach on Kalamalka Road.
It’s on a busy thoroughfare to and from Vernon, and it’s a great way to make all tourists feel welcome.