It is being billed as a historic time for the Pride movement in northern Ontario.
West Nipissing Councillor Jeremy Seguin also serves as president of West Nipissing Pride and he championed a request to council on behalf of the group, Tuesday.
West Nipissing Pride sought permission to paint the four crosswalks at the intersection of King Street and William Street, in Sturgeon Falls.
West Nipissing Pride proposes painting two of the crosswalks in traditional "Pride" rainbow colours, while the other two would be decorated in "Trans" colours, described as a representation of both flags.
Following words of encouragement and the unanimous approval of the council, Seguin called the endorsement, "A first for smaller townships," adding West Nipissing is believed to be the only smaller-market Pride chapter in all of MPP John Vanthof's vast Timiskaming—Cochrane riding.
In support of the request from West Nipissing Pride, Councillor Chris Fisher remarked that painting the crosswalks was "very metropolitan of us," and that he would be fine with the group painting every sidewalk in town.
West Nipissing Pride hopes to begin painting the crosswalks in June, weather permitting. The project will be subject to physical distancing measures.
Seguin says council's recent approval to fly Pride flags in the municipality, coupled with a now consistent social media presence has seen the group flourish and says there is enough interest in the municipality — and across the region — for Pride groups to thrive. Seguin adds the initial 16-member Pride committee is now joined by nearly 150 Facebook supporters, many added in the hours immediately following it going live.
Asked if the group expects to meet any resistance to the project, Seguin responds diplomatically.
"I think, especially for the younger generation, it's turning into a non-issue. And, I think because of their values, some of the older generation may still have an issue with it — but they're not voicing it the same way they were even 10 years ago."
North Bay Pride has been painting downtown courtesy walks (as the city calls them) since 2018 and has hosted successful, well-attended Pride events in recent years — although the 2020 edition has been scrapped in North Bay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
And: A look at some of the highlights from the 2019 North Bay Pride March
Seguin acknowledges smaller centres inevitably follow the leads of larger markets when it comes to some social movements. He does get the sense North Bay Pride is helping to lead the way in the north and is pleased the West Nipissing chapter has such a progressive group from which to seek guidance as it grows.
"I have faith in my municipality and I have faith in the people that live in it — that they're going to respect it. There's always that two per cent, that no matter what you do, they'll be unhappy. I'm hoping people respect it in the same way I've seen people in North Bay respect it."
