With just a few days left before the election, Renfrew PRIDE has been busy gauging the candidates’ receptiveness to supporting an inclusive community.
PRIDE organizer Chris Kyte says a questionnaire was recently presented to mayoral and council hopefuls, providing them with an opportunity to respond to concerns in the community about diversity and inclusion, as well as racism, ableism, and religious discrimination, issues that have a significant impact on residents.
According to Kyte, inclusion is an essential issue to address if Renfrew intends to grow. Doctors, businesses owners, and other professionals looking to move could choose to take their families and investments elsewhere if they don’t feel welcome.
Renfrew PRIDE has previously pushed for council support on inclusion initiatives. Kyte says a strong public response helped defeat a 2023 motion opposing projects such as the rainbow crosswalk on Railroad Avenue.
Responses from the questionnaire have been made available on the Renfrew PRIDE Facebook page.
(written by Kasey Egan)
