Painted crosswalk to honour philanthropy
Council approves request to paint Scenic crosswalk blue and gold
Another crosswalk in Lethbridge is going to be getting some colour — this time to thank area residents for being generous with their time, treasure and talents.
On Monday, city council approved a request by Brandie Lea, a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals who is heavily involved in fundraising and philanthropy in the community, to paint a crosswalk blue and gold for National Philanthropy Week, which takes place Nov. 13-16.
“The charitable and nonprofit sector is one of the largest sectors in Canada and worldwide,” she told council.
Lethbridge has the secondhighest median charitable donation for any city in Canada.
In regards to questions about costs to the City and the potential for distracted driving, council was told the original crosswalk design featured a thank-you message. Lea said the City denied that request because adding words to the crosswalk could distract drivers.
The goal for the crosswalk would be to make it a permanent installation depending on the availability of ongoing funds.
Costs will likely be covered through fundraising and not covered by the City of Lethbridge — likely in the $10,000 range but dependent on a number of factors.
Coun. Ryan Parker said having crosswalks painted was becoming a trend in the city, but one he welcomed. “It’s a good trend,” he said. Coun. Joe Mauro was not in favour of the decision, and was the lone vote against it. He said he did not support the rainbow crosswalk because he did not want to see it become a trend.
“I’m thinking we’re going to get more of these,” he said, noting he felt the City has “done enough” in terms of lighting city hall and making declarations of support for different causes.
Coun. Jeff Carlson came out in support of the decision, stating he hoped more community groups would come forward with plans for painting crosswalks.
“I think it would be amazing to see every sidewalk in our community painted,” he said.
Following the vote, Lea said organizers were excited to have an opportunity to thank the people of Lethbridge for their philanthropy.
“Ideally, we would like to say thanks to our friends in Lethbridge and southern Alberta permanently, or as long as we can, so as long as we can find people to help support it and fund it,”
“People will probably drive by and think, ‘What in the world is this blue and yellow crosswalk doing here?’” she said.
It will be located on 3 Avenue that runs east and west right beside the Lodge on Scenic Drive.
Two designs have been approved: solid blue with a flare of gold, or it could be lines, which Lea said could happen due to being easier to paint.
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