Residents in Another Alberta Town Petitioning for Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks and Pride Flags

June 5, 2024 TruthUSA

Residents of Barrhead, Alberta, are following the lead of their neighbours in nearby Westlock by launching a petition to eliminate rainbow crosswalks and Pride flags from municipal property.

The Barrhead citizens group wants the local government to remain neutral and prohibit the flying of flags that do not relate to federal, provincial, or municipal governments.

“Our goal is to create a neutrality bylaw that keeps public spaces public and neutral,” organizer Ard Doornbos told The Epoch Times in an interview. “Crosswalks should remain as they are described in the Alberta traffic guide guidelines.”

Mr. Doornbos stated that the petition was initiated after rainbow crosswalks were painted in the town over the last few years.

“There were indications that this action offended some individuals and caused division,” he explained. “Such division is unnecessary.”

Council documents show that three incidents of vandalism involving the crosswalk were reported after it was painted in 2023. Nonetheless, the council approved a second one for 2024 near Tim Horton’s and TD Bank.

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Mr. Doornbos acknowledged that the town’s government was mandated to enhance the town’s aesthetics, but he believes they have not approached it correctly.

“We’re considering things like snow removal in winter, sidewalk repairs, access to public buildings, parks, walkways, and street lights,” he noted. “There are many aspects that can greatly impact life in the town and make it more pleasant for everyone.”

Barrhead Mayor Dave McKenzie informed The Epoch Times via email that the local council currently has no official statement.

“We have been informed of the circulating petition,” Mr. McKenzie stated. “At this time, we do not have any additional information.”

Mr. Doornbos mentioned that the group requires support from 10 percent of the town’s population, which is about 460 signatures, before the petition can be presented to council.

“We strongly believe that this is the right course of action, for the betterment of the town and even for the council members themselves,” Mr. Doornbos expressed.

He added that the group will be collecting signatures throughout June.

“We have received emails from residents, some in support, some with concerns about our approach, and some who do not support it at all. The responses have been mixed so far.”

Other Neutral Municipalities

The Barrhead group is receiving support from the Westlock citizen group located about 30 minutes east. The Westlock group successfully petitioned its municipal government for a neutrality bylaw that prohibits rainbow crosswalks and non-governmental flags on municipal property.

The Westlock Neutrality Team began with a similar petition, which they presented to the council. After a Feb. 22 plebiscite, the bylaw passed narrowly with a vote of 663 to 639.

The bylaw mandated the removal of an existing rainbow crosswalk between the town hall and the Westlock Legion. It also stipulated that all crosswalks in the area must follow the standard white-striped ladder pattern. Additionally, flags flown on township property are limited to those representing the three levels of government.

In December 2023, Ontario’s Lakeshore municipality, near Windsor, modified its policy to only allow flags representing federal, provincial, or municipal governments.

Andrew Chen contributed to this article.

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