Andesite Holdings Ltd DBA Yellowhead Pavement Marking Inc, based out of Terrace, carefully painted the new inclusivity crosswalk in front of Valemount Secondary School on July 16th. “All of Team Valemount is proud to support an inclusive community and very pleased to collaborate with administration and students of Valemount Secondary School,” said Mayor Owen Torgerson. “We look forward to joining in and to enjoying the finished works with you all!” Last June, Valemount Secondary Principal Derrick Shaw, local parent Kiba Dempsey and a Grade 11 student requested that Council install a rainbow crosswalk near the school. The Grade 11 student told Council that as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the addition of a rainbow crosswalk is important to her as she doesn’t have a lot of direct support at home. “Having that kind of symbol of inclusivity, for me anyway, would be very important and welcome and I know a lot of other people who would be very accepting of it.” Shaw said his research shows drivers are more likely to stop at pride crosswalks and it’s supported by ICBC. When they approved the crosswalk, Village staff said it would cost approx. $4,000 and a budget would be needed for repainting every two to five years. The Village also plans to spend $600-$800 to install two crosswalk signs. This is the first marked crosswalk at the school. /TRISH GAIR & SUBMITTED
