Thanks to the efforts of local community members, downtown Dresden will soon be getting a rainbow crosswalk.
Thanks to the efforts of local community members, downtown Dresden will soon be getting a rainbow crosswalk.
The Dresden Community Care Group proposed the installation of the crosswalk at the intersection of Main and St. George streets.
Myriam Armstrong, group founder, said the idea has been in the works for a few months.
“We’re just a group of citizens who wanted to see some positive changes brought into Dresden,” she said on Thursday. “We thought of a few projects, and that’s the first one we decided to tackle.”
During the last council meeting, municipal councilors approved a motion from North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail in support of the crosswalk.
The community group will raise the $8,000 needed for the project.
Rainbow crosswalks, which have been installed in recent years in other communities, including Chatham, help show support for the LGBTQ community, Armstrong added.
“We definitely need more awareness,” she said. “People have to be able to feel included in the community. There is still stigma. … We’re hoping to bridge some issues and maybe open some conversations.”
The group also teamed up with CK Pride on the initiative.
Armstrong said the North Kent community’s profile is increasing, given a growing number of newcomers, as well as several successful events.
“Dresden is growing pretty quickly,” she said, noting the new subdivision in the works. “The night market is always a huge hit. … We just want to bring it up a notch and make sure that everybody feels welcome.”
Armstrong didn’t immediately have a timeframe for the project, noting it’s now in the hands of municipal staff.
She said various fundraisers, such as a raffle and a barbecue, will be starting soon. Anyone else with ideas is encouraged to get involved.
“Help some progressive changes for our community and Chatham-Kent in general,” she said. “We’re always listening. … We’re just looking for anything positive.”