Quispamsis council has given approval to install a permanent rainbow crosswalk in the town.
The crosswalk will be installed on Randy Jones Way at the qplex sometime before June 25.
Coun. Mike Biggar, who introduced the motion Tuesday night, said this will allow the crosswalk to be revealed during Pride Month.
Biggar said a rainbow crosswalk is a way for the town to express support, inclusion and equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Quispamsis.
“Quispamsis is known as a welcoming, inclusive, progressive municipality and this will serve as an important symbol of our town’s inclusive spirit,” Biggar wrote in his submission to council.
Biggar said as a central gathering point for culture and recreation, the qplex is an optimal location as it allows “maximum visibility and effectiveness as a statement of inclusion in our community year-round.”
Coun. Beth Thompson questioned whether the sidewalk could be installed with such a short turnaround time.
Gary Losier, the director of engineering and works, told council that staff already have the paint in stock.
“The first sunny day that we have, the sidewalk will be installed. We have the traditional rainbow crosswalk colours,” said Losier.
Biggar noted that many rainbow crosswalks now incorporate colours and design to represent the trans community and proposed that the crosswalk in Quispamsis do the same.
One example provided by Biggar showed a traditional rainbow crosswalk with the colours of the transgender flag —light blue, pink and white — incorporated into it.
“We didn’t have the ability to get the additional [colours] but we’ll start with the rainbow crosswalk at this stage,” said Losier.
