There won’t be any rainbow crosswalks in the city of Moncton, or in other communities this year.
River of Pride Project Coordinator Charles MacDougall says the province has asked municipalities to refrain from painting the colourful crosswalks on provincial roads, due to a study that is ongoing.
“The Transportation Association of Canada has started a study on non conforming colours and patterns on crosswalks. From there the province has told municipalities, since they are studying, they want muncipalities to put a hold on painting rainbow crosswalks,” MacDougall says.
The concern is, there is no word on an end date to the study, so MacDougall is unsure when the hold will be lifted.
“It is disappointing, it is frustrating. We wish that we weren’t in this position and that we could continue seeing rainbow crosswalks in our region, and even multiplying to other communities,” MacDougall says.
The City of Moncton has informed the River of pride that Moncton will not be painting the crosswalks, in light of what the province has asked.
“I have spokes to Mayor Dawn Arnold. She reached out to me and expressed her frustration and disappointment that Moncton can not move forward with rainbow crosswalks this year.”
MacDougall says this is very disappointing, but River of Pride is encouraging members of the community to find other way to express their support for the LGBTQ plus community.
Those include attending the River of Pride parade, or by displaying rainbow symbols in other places, including parks, on lampposts and at City Hall, Town Hall or municipal building entrances.
