True colours: Vaughan shows its Pride with rainbow crosswalk at city hall

City continues to protect the rights of all members of 2SLGBTQ+ community, mayor says

Yorkregion.com
June 16, 2022
Yoyo Yan

Happy Pride! The city of Vaughan joined a slew of municipalities across the region to show its true colours with a rainbow crosswalk.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and council members joined the community to unveil a new rainbow crosswalk at city hall June 14 during Pride Week.

"We continue to protect the rights of all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and stand with them in solidarity in the ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice," said Bevilacqua.

"I have always stood firm in my belief that we must move our city forward without leaving anyone behind. The new crosswalk symbolizes our dedication to continuously expanding opportunities to help everyone live their most authentic lives."

The rainbow crosswalk is located at the west entrance of city hall, at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., and accompanies eight rainbow planters and a rainbow bench in the main courtyard.

Rainbow bench

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service was also on hand with a special fire truck wrapped in the Pride colours.

The event was emceed by Zincia Francis, the city's diversity and inclusion officer, and also included remarks from guest speakers including Tristan Coolman, president of PFLAG York Region.

Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest growing and most diverse communities, and embraces all dimensions of diversity. As part of its commitment to advancing a culture of co-operation, in 2020, the city endorsed and adopted the Vaughan Inclusion Charter in support of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, a community initiative to create a fair and equal environment for all.

Through the council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, the city continues to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, and commits to creating and sustaining a place for all who live, work and play here to feel included.

Since 2003, the city has proclaimed Pride Week, and since 2020 has proclaimed June Pride Month.