The Town of Amherstburg has joined other Windsor-Essex communities in installing a rainbow crosswalk.
During the celebration of Pride Month, the Town unveiled the crosswalk this past weekend but christened it Thursday with a ribbon-cutting. The crosswalk is at the intersection of Victoria Street South and Simcoe Street.
The crosswalk was approved by Town Council in March 2022, following a recommendation by resident, and now-Councillor, Linden Crain.
"Every person deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect," said Mayor Michael Prue. "These crosswalks symbolize acceptance, inclusion, and diversity. The crosswalk will be an important feature and key landmark geographically and socially for the Town."
The crosswalk is a permanent installation to not only show solidarity with the local LGBTQ+ community, but also with the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) community.
Wendi Nicholson, President of Windsor-Essex PrideFest, said the crosswalk is another step in acceptance.
"The significance of this symbol shown today in Amherstburg breaks open closet doors as communities both large and small make the invisible visible," said Nicholson. "It tells members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that they are welcome, they are included, and that they are valued as full and equal members of society."
One rainbow crosswalk was installed near the LaSalle Zehrs plaza last year.