Sooke council took new steps towards the potential installation of a rainbow crosswalk at its Jan. 27 meeting as the topic was discussed at length.
A series of recommendations were made to the district council aimed at advancing inclusivity and fostering community well-being by enhancing representation for LGBTQ+ residents in Sooke. The recommendations came to the council in response to a presentation from community member and former councillor Ebony Logins, who called on the district to take a stand against hate and discrimination at a Dec. 9 council meeting.
While a motion directing the district’s staff to continue discussions with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit staff on installing a rainbow crosswalk on Highway 14 passed unanimously, the motion to use up to $30,000 of district funds to install one on local roads proved more contentious.
“I think it’s a good use of those funds to put some public art, that could be controversial, but also will raise awareness,” said Coun. Tony St-Pierre, speaking in support of the motion.
While no one spoke in open opposition to the project, and many expressed their support for other inclusivity projects, some presented concerns a crosswalk was not the most cost-effective way for the district to show support.
“Crosswalks are for safety, I’m not sure if you would class this as a political statement or not, but I kind of like a crosswalk to be a crosswalk,” said Coun. Al Beddows, who despite expressing his support for the sentiment of the project and other like projects questioned its necessity, given the crosswalk set to be installed on Highway 14.
“I just don’t believe in rainbow crosswalks, because a crosswalk should be a crosswalk. It’s simple as that, so I can’t support the $30,000.”
Coun. Jeff Bateman also expressed his concerns over the initial cost of the project and its maintenance. Bateman mentioned rainbow flags, benches and sidewalks as potentially more feasible and long-lasting symbols the district could install. Other councillors echoed cost concerns, especially amid fears the crosswalk may be vandalized and require frequent maintenance.
However, the motion was not without some encouragement, as Mayor Maja Tait voiced her desire to see the project through.
“I am in support of this, this is an item that the youth of Sooke have been asking for since I was elected in 2008,” said Tait.
“Many of them are wondering if we are ever going to get on with this, as are the generations that are coming all the time. I feel that it’s important to young people to demonstrate that we are hearing them.”
The council ultimately voted to have a report completed further detailing the cost of the project and to suggest potential locations for it. This prompted St. Pierre to express some frustration at the continued slow process behind installing public art in Sooke.
“I’m supporting the motion as it stands so we can move forward, but I so wish we could just move forward for once with an art installation without all this stuff,” he said.
“Crosswalks are for safety and this one serves double duty, it’s good.”
Amid the decision to postpone a decision on the rainbow crosswalk, council passed a motion promising to extend its support to the Sooke branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, and the Sooke Harbourside Lions when they conduct Kindness Day, Pride or similar celebrations. They also directed staff to review a sign bylaw, which had previously allowed for some signs within the community to display messaging accused of being discriminatory.
