East Gwillimbury, Pflag raise Pride flag, unveil crosswalk

NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY
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Together with Pflag Canada York Region, East Gwillimbury launched Pride Month celebrations today with a Pride flag raising ceremony and the official unveiling of a new Progress Pride crosswalk at the Civic Centre. The Pride flag has been raised in East Gwillimbury for several years and was the first flag to be raised when the community flagpole was installed in the Civic Centre courtyard in 2021.

The crosswalk, which was initiated by a recommendation from the diversity and inclusion advisory committee of council, was also unveiled. The design of the Progress Pride Flag and crosswalk comes from the 2018 design by Daniel Quasar. The new concept incorporates a black and brown stripe representing racialized members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the colours pink, light blue and white used on the Transgender Pride Flag. This new design places greater emphasis on “inclusion and progression.”

“Celebrating Pride Month is a reflection of our commitment to diversity and inclusion in East Gwillimbury,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “More importantly, it’s about fostering a community where every person feels they belong. As a result of our collaboration with staff, Pflag Canada York Region and the diversity and inclusion advisory committee of council, a Progress Pride crosswalk was installed at the Civic Centre, and I am pleased that we can continue to demonstrate our support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community by raising the Pride flag annually.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Town of East Gwillimbury and support their installation of a Progress Pride crosswalk at their Civic Centre, said Tristan Coolman, the president of PFlag Canada York Region.“For two years, Pflag York Region, CAYR Community Connections and York Pride have engaged in discussions with all of York Region's municipalities to install crosswalks and other affirming installations. These installations are a symbol of support for our community, the character of the town and its leaders and are a reminder to the community at large that regardless of our differing lived experiences we all belong and have a place in every community everywhere."

During the month of June, the Town is encouraging residents to express their messages of inclusion and belonging through sidewalk chalk messages. In support of the sidewalk chalk initiative, on June 12, the diversity and Inclusion advisory committee of council is hosting sidewalk chalk events at the Holland Landing Community Centre at 3 p.m. and at the Mount Albert Community Centre at 5 p.m.

According to 2021 Census Canada data, The Town of East Gwillimbury is Canada’s fastest-growing municipality (with more than 5,000 residents). The Town provides several programs and services to approximately 36,000 residents while maintaining more than 80 percent of its green space. Visit the website to learn more about the Town.

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