An eight-year-old Norfolk County resident has asked council to install a rainbow pride crosswalk in Simcoe.
That was Ryder Mandryk presenting his deputation to council. He suggested near the Norfolk County Library in Simcoe as the ideal location.
In a Facebook post from Ryder’s dad, Josh, it says Ryder became intrigued with the idea of a rainbow crosswalk after seeing one in Paris, Ontario, on the news. Ryder assisted with the pride flag rising ceremony at Governor Simcoe Square in June.
Members of council, including Kim Huffman, were excited about the idea.
Simcoe Councillor Ryan Taylor agreed that Downtown Simcoe would be a good place for the sidewalk.
Adam Veri, assisting Ryder with the presentation, said they would like council to fund the first cross walk, which is expected to cost between $7,000 and $10,000 depending on the length.
After that, they are willing to fundraise for future crosswalks in other communities.
CAO Jason Burgess added that having the first one be in a location with security cameras is a good idea because of recent news of other side walks being vandalized after installation.
