16 rainbow crosswalks painted across Chilliwack, despite lack of support from City Council

CHILLIWACK (NEWS 1130) -It looks like Chilliwack is becoming an unlikely haven for rainbow crosswalks, with a local advocate claiming there will soon be 16 of them in the city.

It comes months after City Council rejected a request to paint one on a street downtown.

Amber Price says it’s been amazing to see the movement grow, since that initial disappointment.

“One of the most meaningful interactions thus far is from a parent. She got in touch with me to tell me for the first time in their life their child felt welcome and accepted in their school.”

She adds she’s proud her city is showing its support for the LGBTQ2 community, even if the municipal government isn’t on board.

“Currently none of our rainbow crosswalks are on the City of Chilliwack’s land. We have three installed on First Nations land, two on private properties and the remainder are on school properties.”

Price and her group, Chilliwack Citizens for Change, have also reached out to the Guinness Book of World Records about creating a new category, which she thinks Chilliwack might win the title of Most Rainbow Crosswalks in a City.

“I really wondered if there was an opportunity to create some friendly international competition to see who has the most. If it’s us and we are the inaugural winner, that would be pretty sweet.”

She adds in addition to the crosswalks, rainbow murals, benches, and even a piano have all popped up around Chilliwack.