Ajax Council, alongside Pride Durham and Pflag Canada Durham Region, unveiled Thursday a new Pride crosswalk located at the Audley Recreation Centre (ARC) in dedication to the local and surrounding 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The new art installation is designed as a path that welcomes all residents and visitors to enjoy as it leads to the ARC facility’s main entrance.
June is being celebrated as Pride Month.
The installation of the crosswalk comes at a time where residents need to be reminded to continue to stand up and fight all forms of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. During the unveiling, a student from Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School was included and honoured as a special guest alongside Mayor Collier, following disruptive actions that took place during the raising of the Pride flag at the school on May 17, 2022.
“Ajax Council is proud to officially unveil the Town’s Pride crosswalk as our commitment to inclusivity and diversity continues. The installation reminds us about the incredible importance of love, acceptance and equality – everyone is welcome. We strongly believe that there is no place for discrimination or hate of any kind in Ajax. I encourage all Ajacians to walk with pride down the new crosswalk and share your positive experience as you celebrate Pride Month. It’s essential that we continue to take steps towards growth and build an understanding about the history and challenges the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities face on a daily basis, so we can take part in shaping a better tomorrow,” said Mayor Shaun Collier.
Quick Facts
- Pride Month is celebrated in June each year across Canada and internationally. The first Pride celebration in Canada was in Toronto in June 1972.
- Pride Month highlights 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, culture, human rights through events of celebration, education and solidarity.
- Ajax has partnered with Pflag Canada and their Hometown Pride Banner Program to have custom-made rainbow banners flying from various light standards throughout the Town for the entire month of June. Slogans are set against the backdrop of the Progress Pride flag to encourage inclusion, diversity and equity.
- In further support of Pride Month, the Town raised the Pflag (progressive pride flag) at Pat Bayly Square and continued celebrations by bringing communities together with a joyous Pride Parade.
- The Pflag was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar. It’s right-pointing arrow represents the forward movement of increasing inclusivity for all folk within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- Ajax Council’s special Pride Month video message can be viewed here.