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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: November 3, 2025 Report Number: CAO-019-25
Authored By: Nirosha Balakumar, Supervisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Submitted By: Mary-Anne Dempster, CAO
Report Subject: Symbols of Pride in Clarington
Recommendations:
1.That Report CAO-019-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
2.That Council direct staff to proceed with the installation of Pride pole wraps across
Clarington’s recreational facilities and libraries, to be unveiled during Pride month in
June 2026;
3.That Council direct staff to explore additional pole wrap locations in Clarington’s
downtown commercial cores in the future;
4.That Council directs Public Works to explore the financial sustainability,
maintenance and life cycles of all social awareness crosswalks (Orange, Rainbow
and Veterans) and report back with recommendations; and,
5.That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-019-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Resolution Number: GG-174-25
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Report Overview
In response to Council’s request for staff to explore the cost and process for installing an
additional Rainbow Crosswalk in 2025, staff have found that the cost has significantly
increased since the first Rainbow Crosswalk was installed in 2019. Recognizing that there
isn’t a budget allocation for this, staff explored alternative, cost-efficient options to the
crosswalk and are recommending the installation of Pride pole wraps across Clarington’s
recreational facilities and libraries. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office consulted the
original requesters of the additional Rainbow Crosswalk (the Diversity Advisory Committee)
as well as local 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations and members and received support
for the proposed direction. This report assesses both options and outlines the design, the
cost and the operational aspects for Council’s consideration.
1. Background
Clarington’s Rainbow Crosswalk History
1.1 In June 2018, a delegation requested that Council consider the installation of rainbow
crosswalks to “promote the message of inclusion and acceptance” for the
2SLGBTQIA+ community. The delegation requested a Rainbow Crosswalk be located
in the vicinity of a school to increase awareness by school children and parents.
Council subsequently approved Report EGD-015-18 regarding rainbow crosswalks,
which resulted in the following Resolution #GG -387-18:
That Report EGD-015-18 be received,
That the location for the Rainbow Crosswalk be the South leg of the all way stop
intersection of Apple Blossom Blvd. and Mearns Ave,
That 50% of the funding come from the Municipality’s annual budget with the other 50%
of the funding come from the requesting group;
That the Municipality of Clarington’s cost sharing, be referred to the 2019 Budget for
consideration and
That all interested parties listed in Report EGD-015-18 and any delegations be advised
of Council’s decision.
1.2 The original cost to install the crosswalk in 2019 was $9,022.
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Request for a Second Rainbow Crosswalk
1.3 At a meeting held on September 23, 2024, Council approved the following Resolution
#C-099-24
Whereas The Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC) has recommended an
additional Rainbow Crosswalk be implemented in Clarington in 2025;
Therefore, be it resolved that Council endorses the recommendation of the CDAC and
directs staff to explore the cost and process for installing an additional Rainbow
Crosswalk in 2025 and report back to Council; and
That all interested parties be notified of Council’s decision.
State of the Current Rainbow Crosswalk
1.4 Over the past six years, the Rainbow Crosswalk near John M. James Public School
has served as an important community symbol of inclusivity and support for the
2SLGBTQIA+ community. During June, the crosswalk and neighbouring park is used
by grassroots community groups for Pride celebrations.
1.5 The crosswalk has seen both wear and tear and vandalism, including vandalism when
it was first installed that required it to be repaired prior to its opening ceremony in June
2019. As reported in CAO-007-25, it is estimated that a crosswalk’s lifespan is
approximately three to seven years, depending on location, traffic volume and the
frequency of snow-clearing operations, as increased plowing can accelerate wear over
time.
1.6 A current photo of the state of the crosswalk is attached below. Public Works found that
the current Rainbow Crosswalk could not be repaired and would need to be removed
and replaced. The quoted cost for this is $21,436.10, which is a significant increase
from its original cost in 2019. Staff understand that this is due to inflationary increases
over the years, current market conditions including potential tariff impact, supply
sources for the required custom materials, and the need of complete removal of the
current crosswalk.
1.7 The cost of ongoing repair and maintenance of the current Rainbow Crosswalk has not
been budgeted for to date.
1.8 Based on the state of the current Rainbow Crosswalk, staff are recommending that
Public Works explores the sustainability and life cycles of all social awareness
crosswalks. This includes the recently installed Orange Crosswalk, which
underperformed initially and needed to be reinstalled at a substantial cost. Additionally,
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the currently anticipated Veteran Crosswalk may also be exposed to the same
conditions, impacting its appearance and life expectancy.
State of the Current Rainbow Crosswalk
Figure 1: State of the current rainbow crosswalk
2. Review and Proposal
Rainbow Crosswalk Cost
2.1 As staff followed Council direction to explore the cost and process for installing a
second Rainbow Crosswalk in 2025, staff received a quote of $18,046.10.
2.2 Recognizing the increased financial requirement, staff began to explore other
opportunities that may be more cost-effective than a second crosswalk but still signal
the Municipality’s support, recognition and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Pride
community in Clarington.
Proposal for Pride Pole Wraps Across Municipal Facilities
2.3 In completing research on how various municipalities display symbols of pride in the
community, Staff found that in July 2024, the City of Burlington removed three of their
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rainbow crosswalks and replaced them with pride-themed pole wraps across the city,
citing defect in the crosswalks causing them to winter poorly and break apart. An image
of the pole wrap is attached below.
Figure 2: Examples of pride themed pole wraps
2.4 Considering factors of vandalism and infrastructure planning and ownership, the
recommendation is to implement Pride pole wraps at all existing municipal recreational
facilities and libraries across Clarington, as well as future facilities. Benefits of this
approach include:
• Rather than having two rainbow crosswalks in Clarington, we’d be able to spread
the presence, support and reach across Clarington with Pride pole wraps in
Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle and Orono.
• With the Pride pole wraps being located at our municipal-owned facilities, we can
better monitor potential vandalism by ensuring that the selected poles are in view
of our security cameras. The pole wrap materials are also graffiti-proof.
• Having the Pride pole wraps located at our recreational facilities and libraries
would help further signify that we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive
environment, especially given the high foot traffic of youth and families.
2.5 Public Works has reached out to local vendors to inquire about the cost of installing
Pride pole wraps across our municipal facilities. They received quotes ranging between
$3,000 and $5,000 for ten pole wraps, which is a significant cost savings.
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3. Community Consultations and Support
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC)
3.1 As CDAC recommended the additional Rainbow Crosswalk be installed, staff consulted
the committee on the proposal for installing Pride pole wraps as an alternative.
3.2 At the CDAC meeting on September 11, 2025, a motion was carried that “the
committee endorses the staff recommendation to replace the second rainbow
crosswalk with rainbow wrapped poles at multiple municipal facilities.”
2SLGBTQIA+ and Pride Community Organizations and Stakeholders
3.3 North Pride Durham
“In Scugog, Uxbridge, and Brock, we are exploring the idea of adding a Pride symbol in
our townships. While we had considered a rainbow crosswalk, the cost proved to be a
barrier. A Pride pole wrap, however, is much more cost-effective and easier to
maintain, making it a strong alternative.”
3.4 Local Community Member
“I love this idea. For the reasons listed, also because they will be visible in multiple
locations.”
3.5 Local Business
“These look really, really great. I think this is a really fun way to keep the spirit all year
long and to monitor vandalism. It would be so cool to see these line downtown
Bowmanville one day too. Thank you so much for reaching out and asking, love how
Clarington really cares about the communities they serve!”
3.6 Durham Alliance Outreach
Durham Alliance Outreach understood that crosswalks were expensive and for that
reason supports doing pole wraps. However, they advised that they need to be visible,
not tucked away. The are of the opinion, that if installed in places that aren’t high traffic,
visible areas, it will make the community upset.
They also suggested/recommended that the existing rainbow crosswalk be relocated to
downtown Bowmanville, so it is more visible. They said the current location is not in a
high traffic area and feels hidden. They did agree however, that our rainbow crosswalk
is more visible than other ones in Durham because it is on an actual road, not a parking
lot or walkway.
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They don’t think that moving the existing rainbow crosswalk would appear like
Clarington was “removing” it and felt strongly that it needs to be in a more prominent
location, like near the Municipal Administrative Centre.
3.7 Pride Durham
Pride Durham is supportive of pole wraps instead of another crosswalk. In addition,
Pride Durham has requested that they be installed in areas of high visibility such as the
downtown commercial cores. They are of the opinion that having them tucked away in
places where they are not visibly to a large amount of people doesn’t show true support
to the Pride community. They want to see support for the Pride community in highly
visible places.
4. Financial Considerations
4.1 The initial cost of installing Pride pole wraps at all recreational facilities and libraries
across Clarington is estimated to be between $3,000 and $,5000. This would come out
of the existing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion budget.
4.2 When considering the installation of social awareness crosswalks, there is a need to
consider the ongoing maintenance costs in addition to the original investment.
5. Strategic Plan
This initiative aligns with the Connect pillar in Clarington’s Strategic Plan, which aims to
cultivate a strong, thriving and connected community where everyone is welcome. The
installation of Pride pole wraps across Clarington and the repair of the current rainbow
crosswalk, fall under C3: a diverse, equitable and inclusive community and more
specifically C.3.1 – to recognize and celebrate the growing diversity of the community.
6. Climate Change
Not Applicable.
7. Concurrence
This report has been reviewed by the Deputy CAO, Public Services and Deputy
CAO/Treasurer, Finance and Technology, who concur with the recommendations.
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8. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that Council endorse staff’s proposal to move forward
with pole wraps in lieu of a second rainbow crosswalk, as a way to have a greater
impact across the community; and direct Public Works to explore the sustainability and
life cycles of all social awareness crosswalks.
Staff Contact: Nirosha Balakumar, Supervisor of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 905-213-7384
or Nbalakumar@clarington.net
Attachments:
Not Applicable
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC)
North Pride Durham
Durham Alliance Outreach
Pride Durham
Local Community Members & Businesses