The Greater Sudbury Airport and Laurentian University have added some colour to their property while displaying their support for Fierté Sudbury Pride Week.
The airport painted its crosswalks leading from the parking lot to the terminals in the traditional Pride rainbow colours on June 29, and Laurentian University has followed suit
"We're very excited to unveil this at the airport," said Jean-Mathieu Chenier, director of marketing and airport development. "It's a way of showing a positive and warm welcome for everyone who is going to and from the airport."
Some Laurentian students caught wind of the new rainbow motif adorning the airport crosswalks and jumped on board, adding some colour and pride to their own crosswalks."
"Some students reached out to us on social media, telling us that they really liked the idea," said Chenier. "We pointed them to our supplier for the paint and they took it from there."
This is the first year that the airport has done this, and Chenier hopes that this creates some buzz and more businesses and organizations will follow suit in years to come.
“We are painting the crosswalk to commemorate Fierté Sudbury Pride week and to reconfirm our commitment to promoting and fostering inclusion, acceptance and respect for everyone at Laurentian regardless of their race, background, sexual orientation or religion,” said Pierre Zundel, Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-chancellor.
The response the airport has received on social media has been overwhelmingly positive and Chenier noted the importance of the first impression the crosswalks can have.
"You have newcomers to Sudbury arriving at the airport, and I think it's important to make that first impression and show that this is a welcoming community," said Chenier.
Laurentian students gathered to paint their crosswalks on July 12.
“This is an exciting initiative showcasing acceptance, diversity and inclusion on campus. As a two-spirited student, I am grateful to see the Laurentian community coming together to support members of the LGBTQ2+," said Mathew Dueck, a student in Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian.
"I look forward to more opportunities like this to display Laurentian’s Pride.”
