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‘One burnout on a crosswalk isn’t going to stop us’: councillor

Barrie Pride and Fierté Simcoe Pride reps also say they won’t be deterred by the actions of few
2019-07-15 Rainbow crosswalk burnout KL
All that's left are tire streaks after someone performed burnouts with their vehicle on the recently installed rainbow crosswalk near Meridian Place in downtown Barrie. Kevin Lamb for BarrieToday

Coun. Keenan Aylwin was dismayed to hear the news about burnout marks on the newly installed rainbow crosswalk on Simcoe Street, Monday.

“I’m disappointed, but not surprised,” said Aylwin. “I think it was bound to happen. I think the symbol lives on. I’m glad to see the Barrie police are looking at the issue and are doing an investigation.”

Following an inquiry into the incident by BarrieToday on Monday morning, city police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon went to the site to have a first-hand look. He said no official complaints had been received by police, but officers will look into it further, because it's an obvious case of mischief.

To read our full story from earlier on Monday, click here.

“I think a lot of members of the LGBTQ community expected this," Aylwin said. "It’s just a minor hiccup in the fight for a more inclusive and accepting community. We’ll keep moving on and fighting for justice.

“One burnout on a crosswalk isn’t going to stop us,” he added.

Jessie Lawson, director of development for Barrie Pride, said the issue comes down to fear.

“People who undermine inclusive actions of community togetherness with vandalism, such as defacing a rainbow crosswalk, are afraid,” she said. “Their fear may be of change or progress in general, or it could be a symptom of a lack of education or a rigidity of mind that disavows equality or acceptance of differences in others.

“The crosswalk will be repainted. We will continue to celebrate ourselves as individuals within a mosaic. And perhaps people will learn to face and dismiss their fear,” she added.

Brandon Rhéal Amyot, president of Fierté Simcoe Pride, said it was clear the marks were done with intention.

"Even back when this discussion began at city council, I worried this might happen and now it has,” said Amyot. “Unfortunately, discrimination still exists. The reality is that, while legislation and policies are important, changing hearts and minds is a long-term societal change we are still working on.”

Amyot is optimistic the backlash won’t affect the cause.

“This crosswalk is one piece of a larger effort, and we have to keep pressing on. I'm looking forward to the crosswalk being cleaned up, and to have it during Pride. This won't stop our celebration or advocacy," Amyot said.


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Jessica Owen

About the Author: Jessica Owen

Jessica Owen is an experienced journalist working for Village Media since 2018, primarily covering Collingwood and education.
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