By Charles Lefebvre

College unveils first pride crosswalk in Medicine Hat

Sep 24, 2018 | 3:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — They can be found around the world, a symbol of equality and support for members of the LGBTQ community.

On Monday, the first Pride Crosswalk was unveiled in Medicine Hat, in front of Medicine Hat College.

Close to 100 students, staff and members of the community gathered in front of the college on Monday morning to celebrate the addition and unveiling of the crosswalk, which kickstarted Pride Week on the campus.

“It’s great because it showcases our commitment to inclusion and acceptance for all students,” said Shelby Meyer with the Students’ Association of Medicine Hat College. “Like we said, it’s a permanent symbol of that inclusion that will last longer than Pride Week.

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Meyer says the crosswalk in Medicine Hat, aside from being the first for the city, is also the second pride crosswalk at a post-secondary institution in Alberta (the first was unveiled at Mount Royal University in August).

The idea for the crosswalk has been in place since May, said Meyer, though the association and the college decided to paint the crosswalk in September to coincide with the start of the school year. The painting was completed on Sunday.

Vandalism of the crosswalks has occurred in other communities once they have opened. Meyer says it’s something they are concerned about, but feel they’re prepared for vandalism.

“We do have security cameras, as well as we have out security desk overlooking this,” she said. “(There’s) many lights, cameras, people looking out for it. It’s something that, as a campus and as a college, we want to keep here, so we will do what we have to do to protect that.”

Irlanda Price, associate vice-president of student development at the college, says the college has made strides to be more welcoming to all students on campus, and adds the crosswalk is the latest example of inclusion.

“We’ve been working really hard to create safe places on campus,” she said. “We’ve been working really hard at wanting to ensure every single student that comes through our doors sees themselves supported, included and represented. This symbol really signifies that for us.”