RENFREW PRIDE SET TO MAKE GREAT STRIDES

PROGRESSIVE PRIDE SIDEWALK COMING IN NEAR FUTURE

Supporters of Renfrew Pride, which has been mainly an online presence since its creation in 2020, are working hard to strengthen the organization’s relationship with both the town and its residents.

One major symbol of unity will come in the form of a Progressive Pride sidewalk, which will run the length of Railway Avenue from Raglan Street to Plaunt Street next to Low Square, as well as along a section of sidewalk in front of the Renfrew Public Library.

Founder Chris Kyte says she is thrilled with this project, which is one of, if not the, first of its kind.

"This is a huge victory for the LGBTQ2S+ community," she said.

Kyte, who presented the idea to Renfrew council on May 10, adds she was equally surprised when council voted unanimously in favour of the future upgrade.

"We live in such a wonderful community," she said. "I've always found with this council that they've never really debated on anything related to Pride, they've always said, 'Just do it.'"

Kyte says there is no firm timeline yet, but looks forward to working with council and staff on the inclusive project.

"This sidewalk, much like Pride, will be a beacon to anyone in our community still living their truth in the shadows," she said.

For the council delegation, Renfrew Pride also provided 17 letters of support from residents who either live, work, own businesses or shop in Renfrew. One of the letters, written by Renfrew Collegiate Institute student Mya Pilgrim, further explains the importance of rainbow crosswalks for the Pride community.

"A crosswalk is a reminder to those of us with power to look out for the vulnerable people, to respect their right of way and to let them pass unharmed," she said.

Coun. Tom Sidney applauds Renfrew for taking a leadership role in doing something different compared to other nearby communities.

"I think having a part of it in front of the library is neat, as it is a gateway to learning and education," he said. "Lining the sidewalk along Low Square up to town hall is a symbol of us encompassing and embracing everybody."

Sidney adds he appreciates Renfrew Pride and PFLAG Renfrew County coming forward with this initiative.

"It takes a lot of courage to request something like this in a small, rural-type of urban place," he said. "I think 2022 is the time we really progress forward."

PRIDE WEEK EVENTS

Kyte says she is both excited and nervous about the first in-person Pride events in Renfrew in June.

"This is historic not just for Renfrew Pride, but also for the Town of Renfrew," she said.

The first event that month is a Queer Pride Prom on June 11, open to LGBTQ2S+ members ages 18 and up; the dance will run from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Renfrew Curling Club.

"This is mainly for the folks who missed out on their prom, who couldn't bring who they wanted or couldn't present who they truly are," Kyte said. "This is an opportunity for them to have the prom they always wanted."

The next day (June 12), Renfrew Pride will host a Pride picnic at Low Square, which will feature music, face painting and story time with a drag queen. The picnic will open with the annual Pride flag raising at town hall to officially kick off Pride Week.

"Everyone is invited to the picnic," Kyte said. "It will give the community a chance to meet us and ask any questions they have. I'm happy to have a major sponsor in Chris and Tanya's No Frills, who are donating buns, condiments and cases of water for the free barbecue."

She adds representatives from the town, area Pride groups and other organizations, including the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, will be present for the flag raising and picnic.

After Pride Week, a charity dog wash and Pride photo booth will be held at Pet Valu between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on June 25.

More information on events can be found on Renfrew Pride's Facebook page.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With an upcoming Pride sidewalk and the first in-person Pride events in Renfrew, we spoke with the local Pride group founder and a councillor to see how this strengthens the town's commitment to the LGBTQ2S+ community.