The District of 100 Mile House has advised the 100 Mile Pride Society to work with staff on designing rainbow street banners for Birch Avenue.
Council made the recommendation at their regular council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in response to a letter submitted by Saturn Zezza, the chairperson of the 100 Mile Pride Society. In the letter, Zezza said they were seeking council's support in installing 34 Pride banners along Birch Avenue, "with the option to purchase more in future years." The Pride Society expects this will cost $3,400 and requested council contribute $300 to help cover the art charge.
"We got quotes from Big Beautiful Banners last October, so about a year ago, and they were quoted as being $100 per banner - and there were 96 throughout the District. We did have a pretty successful fundraising season, but we didn't make enough to purchase banners for all 96, so we thought to focus on just Birch Avenue," Zezza told council.
In the letter, Zezza stated that displaying these banners would "serve as a powerful symbol of our community's commitment to diversity and equality" and would also "provide visibility and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in our town, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity."
"This was something that the District had suggested to us when we were talking about a rainbow crosswalk," Zezza said, adding that it is a great first step.
It should be noted that June is typically Pride month - however, Zezza stated in the letter they would like to see the banners stay up until July when the society holds its annual Pride in the Park and Pride Parade. Not only would this be timely for these events, but also allow more residents and visitors to appreciate "this important message of inclusion." In addition, Zezza expressed curiosity over purchasing banners that could last for an entire year and wondered if the Pride Society could work with the District on such.
"They would go up the way that you usually put them up - which is on the District - and then display them for an entire year. Is that an option?" Zezza questioned council during the meeting.
Throughout the following discussion, Mayor Maureen Pinkney noted that there was a cost to putting the banners up and taking them down, and that "we have to be aware of that." Echoing concern related to cost was Coun. Donna Barnett, who noted there were many financial obligations the district had to deal with - and recommended 100 Mile Pride apply for a grant from the South Cariboo Joint Committee.
As for the banners themselves, Barnett told Zezza that they would have to bring the design back to Council - a position echoed by Pinkney.
"Different banners are really awesome, and yours should be up there for a certain period of time to celebrate," stated Barnett, before telling Zezza to work with staff to come up with a plan they could bring back to council at a later date.
