Photo: Chad Eliason

What was born out of a council meeting at a high school, is now a permanent fixture in Salmon Arm

The City of Salmon Arm has a rainbow crosswalk. 

The idea was first pitched to council a few years ago by high school students as a way of creating an inclusive community. 

"Last year at budget time we actually put it in the 2018 budget to do this," says Salmon Arm mayor Nancy Cooper. "Everybody is very supportive, and the community was very supportive."

The sidewalk represents the LGBTQ community in Salmon Arm. The rainbow is used as a symbol of gay pride during LGBTQ rights marches.

The colours reflect diversity.

"It was a statement for us," says Cooper. "It is recognition that this community recognizes that there are people with differences and we are being inclusive. We don't want anybody to feel left out."

The crosswalk is located at 5th Street SW and 5th Ave SW by Blackburn Park near the skate park, which is a popular area of town not only for locals but for visitors as well.

"There are all kinds of different families and youth that are out there we thought it was an appropriate location," says Cooper.

In a few weeks, the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival will be held across the street from Blackburn park and upwards of 25,000 people will use the crosswalk to get to the venue.

"That will shine," says Cooper.