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MINTO – Minto council has approved installing 12 Pride banners in each of its towns from May to September as a more permanent display of support and to deter vandalism.
The cost of producing the banners will still fall on the Minto Pride committee but council supported a staff recommendation to contribute staff time and labour for the installation and removal of the banners.
Minto Pride first sent a letter requesting more permanent banners over the summer due to acts of vandalism and destruction towards other Pride decorations the committee puts up every June.
Minto Pride members Brayden Scott and Jessica Rowden spoke at a council meeting Tuesday to consider funding the cost of the banners, at about $1,550 for 12 banners.
“The reason we are asking the town to purchase the banners is to show their continued support, commitment and dedication to this initiative,” Scott said.
“Imagine living here in Minto and being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and seeing Pride decorations there one day and gone the next? What kind of message does this send to our community members?”
Although Scott acknowledged the concern this would set a precedent with other groups, Rowden pointed out other groups don’t see the same “destruction” they do during Pride month and at other community events.
“We believe by the council taking a stance and funding this initiative it would continue to demonstrate leadership and active allyship and be a proactive stance against hate,” Rowden said.
Mayor Dave Turton said the vandalism Minto Pride has seen is “quite sad” but was positive it’s a minority of people who do these things and questioned if the people doing it are even local.
Belinda Wick-Graham, Minto economic and community development director, told council staff’s recommendation is to stay in line with how other banner programs are treated to keep things equitable.
“Legion banners are purchased by the legions and paid through donations and partnerships,” Wick-Graham said, adding the town handles installation and removal.
Therefore, it was recommended council approve staff handling installation and removal, with the costs of producing the banners to be the responsibilty of Minto Pride but the town will provide some help with fundraising through social media posts and processing donations received at the town hall.
She added staff will be bringing forward a banner policy for council to consider at a later date.
Council unanimously approved the staff recommendation. Coun. Judy Dirksen was not present at the meeting.
