Rainbow crosswalk connects a community to Springwater Township
The first splash of colour and LGBTQ2S+ representation in Springwater Township now resides in Elmvale's downtown core.
The township unveiled its new rainbow crosswalk on Friday, installed at the Queen Street West and Maria Street intersection.
"It's definitely time for it(the crosswalk)," said Kate Hvalica, a student at Elmvale District High School (EDHS). "We worked really hard to fundraise, and we're glad it's in place now."
The crosswalk was a student-led initiative by the Gender & Sexual Diversity Club at EDHS.
Students raised $1,000 for the project and presented a cheque to Springwater's town council to get it through. Students took inspiration from larger cities when discussing how they could promote representation within Springwater.
"It's to show support to others who might not know that we actually have a system in place here that is safe for them," said Madison Ritchie, EDHS student. "They're always welcome here."
The crosswalk is the first of its kind located on public property in the Township of Springwater.
It was installed near Elmvale's public library because of its high travel volume by commuters and pedestrians.
"This crosswalk is a way to let residents and visitors to Springwater know that no matter how you identify or who you love, you are safe, valued and welcome," said Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin.
An EDHS teacher empowered the students to push for the project.
Greg Davidson has been championing the rights of students for over a decade, leading the club and its discussions.
"We used to raise a lot of eyebrows, and students used to greet us with various reactions when we met," Davidson said. "But now, it's just like any other club within the school. We're institutionalized in a good way."
The students said they would like to work on further community initiatives when next year's school semester begins.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Global Affairs confirms Canadian death in Lebanon, 8th since Israel-Hamas war began
Global Affairs Canada is announcing the death of an eighth Canadian citizen in the Israel-Hamas war. The department says the death was in Lebanon, but offered no further details in an update Sunday evening.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Conspiracy theories are popular in Canada, especially among conservatives: poll
The Earth is flat. We have been secretly contacted by intelligent beings from other planets. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not land on the moon in 1969. They may sound like bizarre statements, but a new poll suggests a sizable number of Canadians believe in these and other conspiracy theories.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Renowned Canadian musician and former April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, the award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter who shot to stardom as the former lead singer of April Wine, has died at age 75.
Backlash continues following Moncton’s decision to not display the Menorah this year
Outrage seen from the community and across the country online after the news broke Friday that the City of Moncton would not display the Menorah this year.
Canada issues updated travel advisory for Guyana amid border dispute referendum in Venezuela
Amid a referendum that will see Venezuelans asked about the future of a chunk of neighbouring Guyana that Venezuela currently claims ownership over, Canada has adjusted its travel advisory to warn against travelling in Guyana near the border.
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
Commercial ships hit by missiles in Houthi attack in Red Sea, U.S. warship downs 3 drones
Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defence during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.