In celebration of Pride month, the City of Brampton has installed a Pride crosswalk in Chinguacousy Park, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and representation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This visible demonstration of Pride advances our commitment to making Brampton a safer, welcoming, and more inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We remain committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.”
Councillor Santos added, “We take pride in celebrating love in Brampton by embracing our diversity and making our spaces welcoming to all. This rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of acceptance and belonging. Love is Love is Love, and we are proud to show it.”
Jo Ann Iantosca, Vice-President of the Rainbow Sauga Alliance, praised the initiative. “We feel supported by this,” she said. “Seeing any form of representation is positive, especially within a diverse city like Brampton. It’s important that the city shows respect to all communities, and we really appreciate that support.”
Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his enthusiasm for the Pride celebrations, stating, “I am proud to celebrate Pride 2024 with an electrifying event that brings together Brampton’s vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Join us for spectacular performances by queens from Canada’s Drag Race, Aurora Matrix and Jada Shada Hudson, and enjoy the captivating headliner, Witch Prophet. Connect with local organizations and savor delicious offerings from our food partners as we come together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and love.”
The installation of the Pride crosswalk is part of a broader initiative approved by Peel Regional Council in 2019, which provides annual funding of up to $25,000 for the creation of road decals and crosswalks featuring Pride and Trans flags in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. In 2020, this resolution was amended to allow municipalities greater flexibility and creativity in using these funds to support pride visibly. Recent examples include flags, murals, and park benches.
“These installations provide positive representation,” Iantosca emphasized. “They showcase that diversity can co-exist and that our community is valued.”