Niagara-on-the-Lake gets its first rainbow Pride crosswalk

With just two days to spare before Pride Month in June, Niagara-on-the-Lake installed its first rainbow crosswalk yesterday (May 29).

After public discussions, the Town decided to put it at the very prominent Niagara Stone Rd. and Anderson Lane location, one of the routes into Old Town and right next to the public library.

“The intersection of Niagara Stone Road and Anderson Lane is an excellent location for a rainbow crosswalk that will be seen by residents and visitors,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.

“It is one of the main entrances into Old Town and close to our beloved community hub that includes the Community Centre, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library and Sweets and Swirls Cafe. I am proud to be a part of a Town that is continuously making strides toward being more inclusive.”

Last year at a July council meeting, the Town approved the locations of one rainbow crosswalk and five rainbow benches in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

So far, one rainbow bench has been installed at Centennial Park in Virgil. The other locations where benches will be installed are Mary and King Street (Old Town), Niagara on the Green Park (Glendale), Sparky’s Park (St. Davids) and Queenston Firehall (Queenston).

The Town utilized the same Progressive Pride design as the Niagara Region to promote the continuity of rainbow crosswalks throughout Niagara. The design consists of the traditional rainbow flag with the addition of black, brown, light blue, pink and white stripes.

The light blue, pink and white represent trans and non-binary individuals, and the black and brown represent marginalized people of colour. The painting of this crosswalk serves as a visible reminder that all are welcome in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“Niagara-on-the-Lake is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and most importantly, respect for all,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie.

“It is important to the Town to foster an equitable and inclusive space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. As such, the Town strives to be mindful and see projects and initiatives through a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee lens. The crosswalk is a visible way of celebrating, supporting and creating awareness of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”