The City of Vaughan shows its Pride!

The City of Vaughan is dedicated to fostering a community that is diverse, welcoming and inclusive for all residents. As part of that commitment, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council joined the community to unveil a new rainbow crosswalk at City Hall today during Pride Month.

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.

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 included official remarks from Mayor Bevilacqua as well as guest speakers, including Tristan Coolman, President, PFLAG.

In March 2022, Mayor Bevilacqua’s member’s resolution was passed requesting the installation of a rainbow crosswalk in Vaughan. This request was made following a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force meeting that took place on Jan. 19, 2022.

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.

QUOTE

“Today, during Pride Week, we unveiled a new rainbow crosswalk outside Vaughan City Hall to demonstrate the City of Vaughan's commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community. Pride Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the important and meaningful role 2SLGBTQ+ individuals play in our city's social, cultural and economic life. In Vaughan, 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. 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. Happy Pride!”

- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

QUICK FACTS

• In March 2022, Mayor Bevilacqua’s member’s resolution was passed requesting the installation of a rainbow crosswalk in Vaughan. This request was made following a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force meeting that took place on Jan. 19, 2022.
• Pride Month is a celebration of visibility, representation, self-worth and dignity. The City recognizes the valuable contributions of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) individuals and communities and stands in solidarity with the communities in the ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. 

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