Leela Heyward wants a rainbow crosswalk painted across Duncan Street.
Heyward, manager of the popular Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery, said having a rainbow crosswalk in front of the business would be a symbol of inclusion for the LGBTQ community in the Valley, and around the world.
She said the Duncan Garage Cafe and Bakery serves a very diverse customer base and has been a safe place for many community members.
Heyward has written a letter to Duncan’s city council asking for support for her idea.
“I think that the Duncan Street crosswalk is the perfect place for this kind of support,” she said.
“It would be amazing to paint the crosswalk and then have a ceremony in time for Pride celebrations, or even include it in our 39 days of July.”
First appearing in 1978, the rainbow colours have become a symbol to the LGBTQ community.
Red means life, orange stands for feeling, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and violet for spirit.
Duncan Mayor Phil Kent said it’s first time the city has had a request for a rainbow crosswalk.
He said staff are currently checking out the potential costs of the project.
“It’s a well used section of road, so we’d probably have to use a special heavy-duty paint that could cost a little more,” Kent said.
“But some other communities have done this so we should soon have an idea as to what costs we’d be facing. Personally, I think it’s a good idea. If it helps Duncan be more inclusive, then I’m all for it.”