The project to create a rainbow sidewalk outside the Renfrew Public Library is one step closer.
Chris Kyte with Renfrew Pride and a small contingent made up of Pflag Renfrew County’s Jill Holroyd and other allies joined Town Council at their May 9th meeting, making a case to revisit the project after it wasn’t completed last year.
She explained the importance of having the colours of the Pride Flag visible in our community.
Kyte would commend the town for being an active supporter of the queer community since first raising the Pride Flag a few years ago, but added that this sidewalk is a chance to make a clear statement against hate and intolerance.
She also noted that there are LGBTQ2S+ people who are afraid to come out due to fear of rejection and abandonment, workplace discrimination, and harassment.
Kyte was able to get the continued blessing of the new council and will be meeting with the town’s working group to hammer out the details of the project, such as the cost.
Going back to her talks with council and Chief Administrative Officer Rob Tremblay last year, she recalled that the estimated cost at the time was $15,000, which the town asked Renfrew Pride to split.
Support from the community is there, as Renfrew Pride has already collected donations to cover part of their contribution. Local businesses are also interested in assisting, but Kyte says they’re waiting to see a detailed breakdown of the bill.
(written by Kasey Egan)
