Rainbow crosswalk installation going in week of July 5

UPDATE 2 - The crosswalk was installed July 14. Please see our release below to learn more about the project.

UPDATE 1 - Please note this project is delayed due to the wet weather. It will proceed as soon as possible.

The town is installing a rainbow crosswalk at Mosley and 39^th streets, in front of the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre, the week of July 5.

The rainbow crosswalk represents the town’s commitment to LGBTQ+ programing at the youth centre and identifies the centre as a safe and accepting space in our community.

“The LGBTQ+ community is an important part of Wasaga Beach and this installation helps convey that message,” Mayor Nina Bifolchi said.

Josh Pallas, recreation and youth coordinator for the Town of Wasaga Beach, echoed the mayor’s comments and spoke about the centre’s operations.

“Our youth centre offers a variety of programing for young people, including programs geared towards LGBTQ+ youth. We are proud of the work we have done and we look forward to expanding on it. A highlight for us was being nominated for a 2019 Simcoe Pride Organization of the Year award, recognizing the centre and its role in town,” Pallas said.

Cortney Dreifelds is a local resident with her wife and son, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and works in athlete rehabilitation.

“Moving to Wasaga Beach a couple of years ago had been a dream come true for our family, so when we heard about Wasaga Beach celebrating Pride, we truly felt like we belonged more than ever. The installation of the pride crosswalk shows Wasaga Beach youth that they are accepted and embraced in their own community,” she said. “Regardless of your religion or sexual orientation, pride is simply about love. Now more than ever we need to come together as a community to foster our economy, and re-connect after such a challenging year. Wasaga Beach’s Pride initiatives will help our community re-connect at a safe distance, and create a new normal for a better future.” 

The town plans to have a formal unveiling of the crosswalk during Simcoe Pride, which runs July 26 to Aug. 8. A Simcoe Pride flag raising at the RecPlex will take place at 11 a.m. on July 26 and immediately after there will be an unveiling of the crosswalk and an open house at the youth centre, subject to COVID-19 public health regulations.

Read the staff report to learn more about the crosswalk.

Learn more about the Wasaga Beach Youth Centre.