By James Peters

Rainbow crosswalk on the way to Kamloops Airport

Mar 16, 2018 | 10:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian has announced the city will have a new rainbow crosswalk in the near future, at Kamloops Airport.

Rainbow crosswalks are symbols of acceptance and inclusivity aimed at LGBTQ communities in cities around the world.

While there are several rainbow crosswalks on the campus of Thompson Rivers University, this would be the first of its kind off campus in Kamloops.

Christian, who is also the president of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, said a recognition of the LGBTQ community has been pondered for some time.

“We looked at the Kamloops sign, but it’s a little bit beyond repair. The idea of a crosswalk was one that came up, and that will be right at the exit from the main arrivals area,” said Christian.

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“I think it will be a good symbol for Kamloops this is a very inclusive and tolerant community.”

Christian notes those looking to install rainbow crosswalks have to balance the interests of making the symbol visible with keeping pedestrians safe.

“You wouldn’t want one of those kinds of crossings on Tranquille Road. It would be very, very difficult to see, particularly in the wet and particularly at night it would be dangerous,” said Christian. “But at a place where you have a high pedestrian volume – like the four that are at Thompson Rivers University – I think that’s an ideal site.”

“It’s not just about the gay and lesbian community. It’s about the nature of Kamloops being an inclusive, multi-cultural, anti-racist kind of city. We want to make sure that that continues and that we show that.”

Airport Manager Heather McCarley says the airport expects to install the crosswalk in early April, when the temperature increases and the ground dries out.

She notes the expense is expected to be very modest.

Earlier this year, City of Merritt council opposed installing a rainbow crosswalk after a request from the LGBTQ club at the local secondary school.