Progress on diversity and inclusivity projects in Renfrew is a welcome sight for Chris Kyte.
Renfrew Pride’s founder was in attendance for the town council meeting on Tuesday, November 28th, where a multicultural art mural was unanimously approved for the Visitors Information Centre.
They also voted 4-3 in favour of approving Renfrew Pride’s much anticipated rainbow crosswalk project, an ecstatic moment for Kyte, although she says she’ll believe it when the paint is on the road.
Kyte believes that the multicultural mural, part of a major inclusivity and diversity project for the town, is an important addition for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and all of Renfrew, but notes that it is only part of the message of safety and inclusion the town needs to express.
She admits that the Council’s split vote on the rainbow crosswalk means that there is still plenty of work to do, especially around the notion of neutrality in public spaces, which some opposed councilors expressed a desire to maintain.
However, Kyte says you can’t grow as a community by staying neutral.
Kyte has been in contact with the consultants for the mural project to collaborate with them and is now focusing on completing the rainbow crosswalk in time for Pride celebrations in 2024.
(written by Kasey Egan)
