Rainbow crosswalks coming to Oakville to celebrate diversity and inclusion

The Town of Oakville is pleased to announce its first ever rainbow crosswalks will be installed in town this June.

On Monday night, Council approved the implementation and funding plan presented by staff to install three rainbow crosswalks at key locations within Oakville’s Business Improvement Areas, as recommended in the Advancement of Community Infrastructure report from Mayor Burton brought forward to Council at its March 29, 2021 meeting. To align with area Pride Month celebrations, it is anticipated that the multi-coloured crosswalks on Lakeshore Road at the intersections of Navy Street, Kerr Street and Bronte Road will be installed by June 18.

“My Council colleagues and I are committed to inclusion and celebrating the diversity of Oakville,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “This important initiative is a way to demonstrate the town’s solidarity with members of the LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities here, across the country and around the world. I am delighted that this project is moving forward.”

A number of requests from students and community members have been received by staff to introduce rainbow crosswalks to the town’s streetscapes as a gesture of support for LGBTQ2+ community members, while showcasing the town’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Following consultation with these groups and research on design, town staff will be using a longitudinal design style for the crosswalks, featuring Pride flag colours, with the addition of black and brown stripes to represent Oakville’s diversity.

“We want to ensure Oakville is a place where everyone feels welcome. The many and diverse individuals living and working in our community are the heart of Oakville,” said Jane Clohecy, CAO. “As a municipality, we continue to strengthen our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all of our efforts to ensure Oakville is a welcoming community for all.”

For more information, please see Item 7.7 included in the April 26, 2021 Council meeting agenda.

To learn more about the town’s commitment to inclusion visit 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan page.