Canadian city asks for feedback on planned rainbow crosswalk, disables Twitter comments less than a day later
· May 10, 2023 · NottheBee.com

They asked for feedback, and this is what they got.

The City of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, announced their plans via Twitter on Monday to install a rainbow crosswalk, asking for feedback until May 14. Less than 24 hours later, the city disabled comments on their Twitter post "to ensure that all those who view it can do so in an environment that is respectful to all."

I suspect the original tweet got absolutely "ratioed."

Don't you wish you could've read those replies before they got disabled? I do.

"The City of Guelph will install a long-awaited rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Gordon and Wilson streets this May, as a demonstration of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community," the city said in a statement.

"The City recognizes that a rainbow crosswalk is just one way to recognize and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The City of Guelph is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment for citizens and for City employees. We live this commitment by listening, learning, and applying the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in our policies, practices, and service to the community."

In 2021, a petition received over 1,900 signatures in support of the crosswalk. Guelph has roughly 143,000 residents, according to 2021 census data. So it's not like the petition received overwhelming support from residents.

"A community task force, comprised of members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ [LOL] community, including representatives from Guelph Pride, ARCH, and Out on the Shelf, worked with the City's Museums & Culture team to advise on location, design, and community engagement," the city's website reads.

"An internal City working group, including staff with expertise in Traffic Engineering, Accessibility, Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives, Downtown Revitalization, Community Engagement, and Corporate Communications, considered implications of the crosswalk from many perspectives."


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