By Lara Fominoff (@LaraFominoff on Twitter)

New crosswalk honouring philanthropy approved by City Council

Aug 10, 2018 | 11:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Several groups, including the University of Lethbridge, will pitch in to pay for a permanent crosswalk dedicated to the philanthropic efforts of the community.

At Monday’s council meeting, Brandie Lea, Faculty Development Officer with the U of L, requested a crosswalk at the intersection of Scenic Drive and 3 Ave. S. be painted in blue and gold, in time for National Philanthropy Week November 12-16.

The original location chosen, near Park Place Mall at 1 Ave. S and 7 St. S., was deemed inappropriate because the brick crosswalk would have been too difficult to properly paint. The new location was decided upon not just for the ease of installing, but because many charitable events also take place at the nearby Lethbridge Lodge (now Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge).

A request was also made to add a small section to the City of Lethbridge website that gives a brief description of the crosswalks in the city’s downtown core.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to put a crosswalk in the downtown. And it’s in support of our community. Just to say thank you for their amazing support,” Lea said.

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According to information presented to Council, this year Lethbridge was the second most charitable city in Canada, not far behind Abbotsford, B.C., with median donations of $620 per person.

The crosswalk is expected to cost about $10,000 initially and will be paid for by various groups in the non-profit sector, along with the Chamber of Commerce.

None of the cost will be taken on by the City. During question and debate period, councillor Joe Mauro said he could not support the request.

“I’m thinking that more of these, and eventually every sidewalk could possibly be having some paint. I don’t have a problem with it for the time period, but we just heard that this was going to be something forever…so I’m really struggling with that.”

The inspiration for the new crosswalk came from the hall or tunnel at the U of L where various club insignias and representations are painted on the walls, and from the crosswalks painted at 3 Ave S and 6 St. S. to celebrate Pride Week.

“It’s just so exciting to see that, and it generates activity and life in our city. And it gives us a chance to celebrate who we are, and what we do here.”

Work on painting the crosswalk will likely begin near the end of September.

There are two designs that have been approved by the City, including one with a solid blue and some yellow/gold highlights, or blue and yellow/gold lines.