Kimberley city council will be having further discussions on how to make the city feel more inclusive, but more rainbow crosswalks are not likely.
The issue came up as a resident requested that a rainbow crosswalk be painted on the crosswalk near Marysville School.
Council is more of a mind to paint a rainbow on the sidewalk near the school, or hear other options, perhaps benches or flags that will speak to Kimberley’s diversity and inclusiveness.
The issue is cost. A staff report says that a rainbow crosswalk can cost 50 times what a traditional one costs. The Platzl rainbow crosswalk was painted in 2022 at a cost of $15,800. Today that quote has gone up almost $5,000.
“I think the key thing is intent,” said Coun. Jason McBain. “The paint by the Platzl has held up well, despite some idiots doing burnouts on it.”
He added that with the costs, he thought the sidewalk painting instead was a good idea.
“Sidewalks see far less traffic than crosswalks, and a painted rainbow sidewalk would last much longer and therefore be more cost-effective. The sidewalks could be painted with methyl methcrylate (MMA) cold plastic paint to maintain vibrancy. Walking bridges are another option for low-maintenance rainbow symbols. Rainbow park benches could also be installed,” the staff report said.
Staff will bring forward some options for council at a future meeting.
READ: Kimberley Council approves request from resident for rainbow crosswalk