City to look for feedback on potential Pride and 7 Feathers sidewalks

Cold Lake city council is considering painting a sidewalk in Pride rainbow colours, as well as an orange sidewalk to recognize the First Nations community.

The discussion happened last Tuesday at the city’s corporate priorities meeting, following a request from Lakeland Safe Space Community for a Pride (rainbow) crosswalk within the City of Cold Lake.

Staff notes indicate they anticipate a similar request to paint a crosswalk with the Indigenous ‘7 Feathers’ crosswalk teachings somewhere in the community as well.

While some potential locations were identified, city staff will canvas residents and stakeholders on whether to go ahead and where it should go.

“What we’re going to do is put together a public engagement process to just kind of solicit feedback from the public,” said CAO Kevin Nagoya.

“There’s no decision at this point. We’re just designating some locations that we’re considering and solicit that feedback. Then we’ll go back to council, in about two months time, and kind of indicate to them what the feedback from the community that we received was.” 

Some of the high-visibility areas include 1 Avenue (between 19 Street & 18 Street), Lakeshore Drive (7 Avenue and 8 Avenue), and Lakeshore Drive (5 Avenue and 6 Avenue).

A letter was sent from Lakeland Safe Spaces in November.

It is spearheaded by the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO) at 4 Wing and Cold Lake Pride Community.

In the Medley area, the DTPAO has already created a pride crosswalk between the new Health Centre and the church. Hand painted by volunteers, it has been on display since September 2020.

“When the discussion of engineering the sidewalks rises, there is often the thoughts about; is that vital use of taxpayer’s money, why apply the art, and is it just a distraction to drivers? There is also the thought of vandalism, which has occurred on many crosswalks painted in larger cities and municipalities,” the request says.

“Crosswalks are a staple piece to ensuring safety in our communities. A transportation structure given a fresh coat of colourful paint re-invented into a symbol of inclusivity. The paint communicates the adversity faced every day and re-imagines the idea of welcoming and diversity.”

City staff will also judge the areas on whether road paint or use a product called thermal plastic.