Police recover stolen property
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SPOTLIGHT
$1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 29
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Downtown to get rainbow proud
While other communtiies have adopted rainbow crosswalks, the idea for Princeton’s crosswalk came from a group of children who produced a rainbow on Bridge Street with sidewalk chalk. Andrea DeMeer Spotlight Staff
The Town of Princeton will spend $2,000 to paint a rainbow crosswalk on Bridge Street, from the post office to Veteran’s Square. The motion was unanimously passed Monday night by council, following a letter requesting the move signed by a number of local residents. Councillor Rosemary Doughty said she was encouraged to support the idea by a group of children in the community, that anonymously colored a downtown crosswalk in sidewalk chalk following the recent US Supreme Court decision opening the door to gay marriage in 50 states.
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“The children that came out and did it in sidewalk chalk so inspired me,” she said. “It was beautiful and it just says diversity to me.” Councillor Doug Patemen made the motion for the expenditure, saying “it will brighten our town and make if feel so welcoming.” Mayor Frank Armitage said he expects community wide support for the painting, noting that rainbow crosswalks have already sprung up in communities like Victoria, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. He said the decision was “based on the fact that we have this letter in hand…Society has changed. I will leave it that broad.”
The letter, written by local artist Nienke Klaver, suggested the crosswalk might be a bit of a tourist attraction but will also send a clear message about the way Princeton embraces diversity. “It gives the message that Princeton supports human rights and sexual diversity. It shows that town council does not tolerate discrimination. It identifies Princeton as an open minded and compassionate town where everyone is welcome.” Director of Infrastructure Kevin Huey said the cross walk should be painted in approximately two weeks. An outside firm that has produced other similar crossings will be contracted to complete the project in street grade paint.