A splash of colour and a permanent mark of pride was officially unveiled in Sarnia's downtown Thursday afternoon.
Over a hundred people gathered at the intersection of Christina Street and Lochiel Street as Sarnia-Lambton Rebound's Spectrum Program unveiled the city's first rainbow crosswalk.
Rebound Executive Director Carrie McEachran said the Spectrum Group, an inclusive LGBTQ youth program, wanted to make their hometown a little more welcoming.
"You know, a group of youth a year ago started this journey in advocating for this rainbow crosswalk. They've done a lot of work, they researched it, they presented a plan to city council, and they've raised 100 per cent of the funds with help from the community," said McEachran. "This group of youth wanted everyone in Sarnia to feel safe and included, and for any visitors in Sarnia to feel welcome."
McEachran said there has been a movement towards acceptance and inclusivity locally, but there's still a ways to go.
"Starting with the rainbow pride flag in June where some groups went together and advocated for, and now with this crosswalk, this certainly is a historic event for this community. And I know the youth in the Spectrum Program are already talking about what other corners they would like to advocate to have rainbow crosswalks put in."
Sarnia council approved a proposal in July from Sarnia-Lambton Rebound’s Spectrum Community Action Committee to install the crosswalk — the committee agreed to cover the entire cost of the project, estimated at $3,750.
McEachran said the Spectrum Program has made a big impact since being founded six years ago.
"It's a safe welcoming space, very inclusive for youth to pop in and spend time with friends, get any support from any of the Rebound team, and they're a pretty amazing group of youth," said McEachran. "They're always working on different projects, lots of social justice stuff, so I think that several of us could learn from this group of youth, for sure."
Thursday was also Spirit Day across Canada, an annual LGBTQ awareness day observed on the third Thursday in October since 2010.
