The Bay and Algoma neighbourhood could be more colourful for next year’s Thunder Pride events.
City Council directed staff to look at installing sidewalks in the colours of the rainbow and transgender pride flags, after Pride Chair Jason Veltri suggested it to Council to mark Thunder Pride’s 10th anniversary.
He says it would be an important symbol of support for the city’s LGBTQ community.
“It’s not a matter of if a rainbow on a street will help solve all our issues, no, but it sends a very important message to our community, especially in that neighbourhood,” Veltri explains, adding a number of LGBTQ people live and own businesses in the area.
While Veltri didn’t formally ask for the sidewalks, he notes he has begun discussions to make it happen.
“I’ve already started talking with the [Clean Green and Beautiful Committee]. We, as our organization, are prepared to help [financially] with that, but we need the city’s help with that also.”
McKellar Councillor Brian Hamilton, who owns a business in the neighbourhood, says he expects Bay and Algoma businesses could also contribute funds.
City staff are set to come back to Council in November with more information about installing the sidewalks.