Key Dates
DEI Committee Meeting
The Committee received a presentation from Kevin Turcotte, Manager of Parks & Recreation, regarding the potential locations for a rainbow crosswalk and bench.
Audit & Finance Committee
The rainbow crosswalk correspondence was received, and approval was given to discuss rainbow initiatives during the 2022 budget deliberations.
Council Meeting
The July 12, 2021, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes and the July 20, 2021, Audit and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes were approved.
Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting
General discussion took place regarding the rainbow initiatives. No recommendations were made during this meeting.
DEI Committee Meeting
Moved and approved that one rainbow bench, per community, be installed using the best cost to durability option and that the Committee review options of finding private funding sources.
Council Meeting
The September 13, 2021, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes were approved.
Communities in Bloom Committee Meeting
A letter from a resident regarding a rainbow garden vs. a crosswalk was brough forward. The Committee and Staff discussed this topic.
DEI Committee Meeting
The Committee discussed an email that was forwarded by Lord Mayor Betty Disero in respect of a different suggestion for a crosswalk. The crosswalk would include a feather that is intended to refer to Indigenous communities. The Committee discussed the following action plan:
- Reach out to Staff to determine interest
- Reach out to the Niagara Regional Native Centre
- Reach out to local municipalities that are discussing the same initiatives
Audit & Finance Committee Meeting
A rainbow crosswalk was included in discussions surrounding the 2022 budget presentation. During this meeting, a motion was moved to approve up to 35% of the prior year’s operating budget.
Council Meeting
Council approved that no monies for the rainbow crosswalk project (worth approximately $15,000) be expended until there has been more public consultation regarding the location of the crosswalk and benches and a report be returned to Council.
DEI Committee Meeting
The Committee recommended that the Rainbow Crosswalk be located at one of the following locations: Hwy 55 by Anderson Lane, the intersection of Queen and Mississauga, the intersection of Wellington and Picton St, or King St. where Ricardo turns into Front St. and that expediency of installation be a factor in the decision. The Committee also supports the idea of public consultation on the choice of one of the four locations and supports giving the public an opportunity to financially sponsor the crosswalk through fundraising. Additionally, whereas the Town has received funding for 1 of 5 rainbow benches, the Committee recommends that the other four benches be placed in suitable locations throughout the Community and supports public consultation on the location of the rainbow benches. The Committee also encourages the opportunity for private funding in support of the benches.
Council Meeting
Council approved the February 24, 2022, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes.