On Monday (June 3), the Town of Cobourg, along with the Cobourg Police Service and community groups, celebrated the installation of a new rainbow crosswalk located at King Street West and Second Streets in downtown Cobourg.
The installation of the rainbow crosswalk — the first in Northumberland County — was led by the Town of Cobourg’s communications department as a way for the town to express support, acceptance, and belonging for the LGBTQ2+ community.
“We’re happy to support an initiative that reflects who we are as a town and what we value as a community,” said councillor Adam Bureau, who is the town’s coordinator of arts, culture and tourism. “We aim to create a safe and inclusive Cobourg that celebrates diversity of our community and engages with its citizens in a meaningful way.”
The town’s public works division, led by roads and sewers manager Ted Sokay, supported the initiative with work done by Prime Pavement Marking on short notice.
The crosswalk, which coincides with the beginning of June’s Pride Month festivities in Cobourg, is also supported by the Cobourg Police Service.
“We are always proud to raise the Pride flag in our community to show people everyone is accepted and welcomed,” said Police Chief Kai Liu. “Our members champion acceptance, inclusiveness, and anti-bullying when we engage the community we serve. It’s important to us that we continue to build an inclusive community with our partners throughout the year.”
Representatives from the Cobourg Queer Collective and the Cobourg chapter of PFLAG Canada also attended the celebration.
“The Cobourg Queer Collective and PFLAG would like to thank the Town of Cobourg and Cobourg Police Service for this symbol of solidarity,” said Ashley Bouman, leader of PFLAG’s Cobourg chapter. “It is our hope that this crosswalk will be welcoming to all and put a smile on the faces of all who cross it, as this will bring a sense of belonging to the LGBTQ2+ people in our community.”
Residents are invited to celebrate the newly installed crosswalk during Pride Month and during the Walk with Pride activities taking place on Friday, June 21st.
As a symbol of acceptance and belonging in the community, the rainbow crosswalk will remain in place for the rest of the summer.
