12 July 2021

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.

20 July 2021

Audit & Finance Committee

The rainbow crosswalk correspondence was received, and approval was given to discuss rainbow initiatives during the 2022 budget deliberations.

26 July 2021

Council Meeting

The July 12, 2021, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes and the July 20, 2021, Audit and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes were approved.

10 August 2021

Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting

General discussion took place regarding the rainbow initiatives. No recommendations were made during this meeting.

13 September 2021

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.

27 September 2021

Council Meeting

The September 13, 2021, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes were approved.

12 October 2021

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.

18 October 2021

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
17 December 2021

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.

31 January 2022

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.

24 February 2022

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.  

28 February 2022

Council Meeting

Council approved the February 24, 2022, DEI Committee Meeting Minutes.

30 May 2022

Council Meeting

Council received Information Report: Rainbow Crosswalk and Benches - Public Survey.

01 June 2022

Public Consultation Begins

Survey Opens

15 June 2022

Public Consultation Ends

Survey Closes 

June 2022

Council Meeting

Survey results are presented to Council in an Information Report.