Two local community groups teamed up at council Monday night to request the town install a rainbow crosswalk in Historic Downtown.
The crossing, which would cross First Street West at the intersection with Second Avenue – next to Horse Creek Candy – is a variation of the rainbow crosswalks that have popped up in other communities. Cochrane's take on the crossing would aim to be inclusive of all community members and not solely the LGBTQ community.
"When we looked at having a pride crosswalk here in Cochrane, we looked at it as a diversity crossing as a representation of each and every human who lives in Cochrane," said Rob Halfyard, with Cochrane Rainbows, an organization that supports "diversity and cultural PRIDE Initiatives for all in the Town of Cochrane."
The crosswalk would feature 10 colours – yet to be determined – that will be used to celebrate all facets of community demographics from gender, race, age and sexual orientation to family, political beliefs, religion, income, and more.
"I think having the 10 colours and it being a Cochrane initiative would minimize vandalism," said Halfyard.
The cost of the crosswalk would be in the range of $12,000 and $15,000 and be included in the town's annual crosswalk budget. Halfyard said the contractor consulted would give the town a five-year warranty on the product which would be a thermal inlaid material. Using such a process would mean the lines would last longer than regular paint and make vandalism easier to repair.
Halfyard said the group would fundraise for money to address any vandalism issues.
The hope is to have the crosswalk installed next June, which would give the two committees time to promote and spread awareness about the crossing.
"We believe having the crosswalk brings us all together so we can celebrate what Cochrane is all about. It will also bring a lot of awareness and acceptance to everyone so people can feel safe in Cochrane, proud to live here and proud to call it our home," said Halfyard.
Mayor Jeff Genung recognized the work both Cochrane Rainbows and Cochrane Light Up have done over the years to promote inclusivity in the community and Coun. Marni Fedeyko applauded the project as she put the motion forward.
"I am absolutely proud that this has come forward," she said. "We have a lot of cultures in Cochrane and they are all taxpayers and I think this gives kudos to all of them and I thank you for bringing this forward."
Council approved the request to discuss the issue during its budget deliberations. A final decision on funding will be made with the upcoming budget.
