By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Gabriola’s local government representatives are pushing for a rainbow crosswalk on the island.

Electoral Area B Director Vanessa Craig wrote a letter, co-signed by Local Trust Committee Chair Dan Rogers, to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure central Vancouver Island office on Oct. 25 requesting the ministry support the placement of a rainbow crosswalk on Gabriola.

“Rainbow crosswalks, which are a visual symbol of a community’s valuing of diversity and inclusion, have been installed in many different communities across our region,” Craig wrote. “While this is a choice made by our neighbouring municipalities, as an electoral area, we rely on the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for road management.”

Gabriola LTC trustees unanimously voted to support such a request on Oct. 21.

MOTI told the Sounder it continues to work on a draft policy regarding markings for pedestrian crossings, which would include rainbow crosswalks.

“The ministry will be happy to work with local partners on locations for installations once an approved policy is in place.” No timeline was provided for when the policy may be finalized. 

Craig closed the letter urging MOTI to approve the policy and to work with the community to select a suitable location on the island.

This item is reprinted with permission from Gabriola Sounder.

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