Sarnia will paint a rainbow crosswalk on the west side of the Lochiel-Christina street intersection as a symbol of inclusion for the LGBTQ community.
Council approved the request last week from the Rebound Spectrum Community Action Committee, which offered to fundraise the entire project cost of about $4,000.
The committee presented a detailed report on rainbow crosswalks in other cities and was backed by several delegations and a petition signed by more than 700 residents and businesses.
“This just speaks volumes to the fact that it’s OK to be who you are in this community, and that’s the community I want to be a part of,” said Lambton College professor Kelly Wilson.
Councillors Brian White, Nathan Colquhoun, Bill Dennis, Mike Stark and George Vandenberg supported the proposal. Acting Mayor David Boushy and councillors Margaret Bird and Terry Burrell were opposed.
The goal is to paint the crosswalk by “Spirit Day” on Oct. 18, the annual LGBTQ awareness day.