The city is one step closer to creating a rainbow crosswalk downtown, possibly in time for the annual Barrie Pride parade.
In a motion put forward by Coun. Keenan Aylwin, and which still requires ratification by city council, the rainbow crosswalk would be created across Simcoe Street near Meridian Place at a cost of $7,000.
"This is a gesture that I think is long overdue and it's very important," Aylwin said at last night's general committee meeting. "Growing up in Barrie as a closeted gay kid, it's not easy.
"I think the $7,000 is worth even signalling to one kid, who may be struggling with their sexuality, that you're accepted and have a place in this community," he added.
The idea of a rainbow crosswalk has been talked about before in the community and has had an online petition devoted to its creation, but that's as far as it got.
The money for the crosswalk would come from the community benefit reserve.
During a 40-minute discussion Monday night at city hall, some councillors, including Mike McCann, Robert Thomson and Sergio Morales, expressed concern about the cost falling to the taxpayers.
"I can't get into $7,000 crosswalks when money is tight," said Thomson, adding the funding could be raised from the community or through corporate support. "I just don't think it should come from the city."
However, those who were against taxpayers footing the bill also offered to make personal donations.
"It's ridiculous to say that we can't spare $7,000 for such an important, symbolic gesture, and also benefit our downtown in terms of tourism," said Aywlin. "I just don't understand the logic in not supporting this."
The downtown councillor called it a "powerful message that we can send to our community that we love and support you."
Thomson said his opposition was merely based on overseeing the city's tax dollars.
"This isn't a personal attack on you," he said. "This is the financial part of it. I'll help you find an angel donor, that's not the issue. We have to look at all options. ... We have to start respecting the taxpayer."
"You don't know what it's like growing up in a city where you can't be yourself," Aylwin told his fellow council members. "This could touch so many youth who are struggling with that right now."
Mayor Jeff Lehman said it would not only be a signal to the LGBTQ community, but also new Canadians.
"You can't put a value on being welcomed," the mayor said.
Coun. Jim Harris echoed that sentiment: "It's an important symbol that all are welcome," he said. "It goes beyond sexuality and is also a sign for newcomers."
The proposed location of the rainbow crosswalk also carries some significance, Aylwin said, noting the pride parade ends at the crosswalk location. And with Dunlop Street slated to be torn up to make way for a massive reconstruction, he also said the downtown's main street was a non-starter for placing the rainbow crosswalk.
The rainbow crosswalk, if approved, could potentially last up to five years.
"Until it makes it through a Barrie winter, it's hard to tell," said Dave Friary, the city's director of roads, parks and fleet.
