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Council considering options for rainbow, transgender flag crosswalks

Apr 10, 2017 | 6:39 PM

LETHBRIDGE – City Council is once again looking at the possibility of coloured crosswalks in Lethbridge’s downtown to support the LGBT+ community.
 
For the first time last June, the Lethbridge Pride Fest Society had four crossings around Galt Gardens painted in temporary, biodegradable rainbow colours in time for Pride Week. That $2,000 price tag was covered by the society, with help from a Heart of Our City grant.
 
“We were very happy last year to have four rainbow crosswalks, but we weren’t all that happy with the colours and the design. So, this year we asked for more vibrant colours and a solid pride flag (pictured above),” Linda McFalls, sponsor chair of the Pride Society, noted.
 
When Council approved the project on March 21, 2016, Councillor Ryan Parker proposed that the City Manager explore the feasibility and cost of installing one permanent rainbow crosswalk in 2017.
 
McFalls and Corbin Chenger, vice-chair, came back to Council on Monday (Apr. 10) to request two permanently coloured crossings, at the 3 Avenue and 6 Street South intersection. They proposed that one would be the traditional rainbow flag, while the other would represent the transgender flag with pink, blue and white stripes.

“It’s very sad to know that transgender people experience the most violence within the LGBTQ+ community,” McFalls said.
 
“We want the City to acknowledge them, acknowledge that problem. We want to have a specific crosswalk for transgender so that it shows that we are supportive.”
 
Quotes from Lafrentz Road Marking estimate that it could cost more than $13,000 to paint both, or just shy of $18,000 to inlay the two colour schemes.
 
However, it was noted by City of Lethbridge administration that a 3 Avenue South recontruction is being proposed for the next ten year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The $9.7-million project could include widening sidewalks, planting trees, adding parking spaces, upgrading underground utilities and other street surface landscaping between 4 and 8 Street.
 
A final resolution for the Pride Society crosswalks proposal was postponed for two weeks. Council members said they needed time to further discuss their options and make amendments if necessary.
 
Whether they move forward with permanent crossings or stick with temporary painting, the cost of the project is expected to come from Council contingencies.