Drumheller contemplates new policy banning `decorative' crosswalks

Drumheller town council on Monday was set to debate the future of the Pride crosswalk in Canada's dinosaur capital.

Mayor Heather Colberg said the agenda item — a flag, pole banner and decorative crosswalk policy (IS-C-01) — came up in part as a response to requests from groups that wanted special flags, sidewalks and crosswalks.

The intent was to be fair and inclusive, she said, and create a policy that was in place for everyone.

“There was no intent to, you know, take away what's in place. The way it's worded, I guess you could perceive that,” said Colberg.

The draft document reads: “Decorative crosswalk shall not be allowed on public streets or public property,” and, “All crosswalks on public streets and public property shall be parallel white lines or black and white zebra markings, in accordance with the Alberta Highway Pavement Marking Guide, current edition.”

Colberg noted that council members get these draft documents from administration at the same time they're available to the public and the media, so they haven't had a chance to discuss the proposed policy.

“Council hasn't even made any input as to how it reads, and I can tell you just by reading it there's changes coming, for sure,” she said. “There's no intent to harm or disrespect any group here.”

Input from council will be taken by administration and any changes will come back at a later meeting for council to vote on.

Drumheller has one Pride crosswalk, near the town's municipal building, along with a few Pridethemed dinosaurs throughout the community.

Brett Litwin, former member of the Badlands Pride Association, said the crosswalk has moved to a few different locations since 2018, but the group helped fundraise to paint it at its current location in 2021 and 2022.

The town paid for the repainting in 2023, according to Litwin. Colberg said part of the reason the town stepped in was due to issues with the paint.

“We've probably been one of the most forward-thinking communities,” said Colberg. “We have flags, we have the crosswalk, we have (painted) dinosaurs.”

The Badlands Pride Association penned a letter to the town, noting the history of support and seeking an explanation for the current proposal.

“Given its direct and focused impact on the existing Pride Flag Decorative Crosswalk, we do not support this change,” the letter read.

The town of Westlock, north of Edmonton, in February voted in favour of a bylaw that bans Pride flags and rainbow crosswalks.