At their July 26 General Committee meeting, councillors were told that staff have had difficulty securing a quote for the rainbow crosswalk approved by council on Huntsville’s Main Street.
At their May meeting, council directed staff to consult with the District of Muskoka, as Huntsville’s Main Street is a District road, as well as with Muskoka Pride and come up with an estimate for the sidewalk.
Tarmo Ukkivvi, Huntsville Director of Operations and Protective Services, told the committee that the District had indicated that they would work with the Town and Muskoka Pride was in support of the project but expressed concern about vandalism and noted they would not be participating in the funding of the crosswalk.
Uukkivi also told the committee coming up with costing for the sidewalk presented a challenge. “We approached a couple of companies that we use typically for line painting in town for contracts and the two companies we approached refused to provide even general quotes on the work,” he said, adding that that left staff trying to figure out how they could come up with a general cost for the sidewalk.
Uukkivi noted that in 2022 council requested that staff look into a rainbow crosswalk between Huntsville High School and the Canada Summit Centre and at that time staff was able to obtain a $50,000 quote from the company that was on a contract with the Town. He said the company at the time indicated that they only stocked yellow road paint and they would have to buy the additional colours in bulk.
Fast forward to the July 27 meeting and Uukkivi gave councillors an estimate of $81,000 for a rainbow-coloured crosswalk.
“The value of $81,000 is based, without any quotes this year, [on]our experience with our contracted line painting for the rest of the town.” Uukkivi said the cost has gone up by 62 per cent. “So we simply took the $50,000 quote from last year and added 62 per cent to come up with what’s being presented,”he said of the $81,000 estimate for the sidewalk. He said that price would reflect MTO grade paint. On top of that, there will be ongoing maintenance, possible repairs and touch-up costs.
Uukkivi said the cost could be brought down by using a different type of paint, hiring a local artist or even changing the location of the crosswalk where a lower grade paint could be used if there is less traffic.
Councillor Scott Morrison noted that other municipalities had put rainbow crosswalks in for a much cheaper price. For example, he said, Port Colborne had put one in for $15,000 in 2021 and it cost the City of Barrie $10 or 15,000.
“It’s hard when we only have companies that don’t actually supply the paint. And also we’re looking at maybe a bigger plan and Councillor [Helena] Renwick and I have had some discussions. We have some ideas around something that can be more substantial and more inclusive.”
Morrison suggested that he and Councillor Renwick could do some work on the file and return to council with their findings.
Committee also heard that opportunities will be sought to try and ensure the cost of the initiative is not put on the tax base.
Renwick said it started as a Pride crosswalk but the idea has developed into something even greater – a unity square, which could incorporate Indigenous peoples and maybe Veterans as well and speak to the municipality’s diversity and inclusivity.
Both Renwick and Morrison said they could not support spending $81,000 on a crosswalk.
They are expected to return to council with their findings in September.
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Thomas R Spivak says
Perhaps councilor Renwick could foot the cost for this as it was her idea?
More of our money is to be wasted on another overpriced pet project.
How much would it cost to resurface 30 feet of roadway in our rural areas?
Ken Mcdougall says
That is a ridiculous cost to paint a crosswalk,like the washroom fiasco,this is money we don’t have.
Brian C Samuell says
This town is slowly going mad. Just say no.
James ficzere says
A complete waste of taxpayer funds. If There are funds available they should be directed at healthcare or eduction. If folks feel strongly about it raise the cost privately like we have to do in many cases for children sports, causes like guide dogs that are not federally/provincially funded and I submit a much needier cause.
Anna Bertelsen says
I absolutely do not support to spend one single dollar on installing a rainbow crosswalk.
What’s the matter with everyone? I am really sick of seeing my hard earned money squandered on totally useless things, it’s becoming a norm in this town.
It is after all, the taxpayers money and we elected people to administer this money in a prudent manner. However I do recognize that there are employees that make serious decisions for the people of Huntsville. Question is: Are they qualified to do so?
Maybe it’s time to reevaluate.
David Harrison says
Why are we spending taxpayer dollars on such ridiculous projects? I have not seen a single person sit on the rainbow painted bench in the middle of town. That must tell you something. Many people a fed up having somebody’s lifestyle rammed down our throats every day. Look what is happening to companies now, culture politics is becoming toxic. Pierre Trudeau said the the Government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation – the opposite is also true.
Joe Doyle says
As a culture we are obviously obsessed with symbolism and messaging. Pride Painting Crosswalks for example…and for a pretty penny it seems.
Trouble is Crosswalks are not messaging media nor were they intended to be horizontal billboards. They were designed, as most understand, to function basically as special control zones providing pedestrians safe passage through/across hazardous roads and motorways. Much like traffic lights at some busy intersections.
I’ve witnessed towns folk and tourists, big and small, meandering indecisively across dangerous intersections in many cities and towns such as Huntsville. Accidents too. Apart from the expensive financial costs (pity the taxpayers!) do you really want (need?) to add more distractions, and especially potentially contentious ones, to an already hazardous situation?
If so, I’m pretty sure I could come up with a rainbow traffic light that would be a world’s first and a real traffic stopper!
ROGER SIMMONS says
Here in Stratford, the cost estimate was in the neighbourhood of $7,000 for the Pride crosswalk. One local company volunteered to do the fundraising, leaving the city free of any costs.
Thomas R Spivak says
The paper has deleted my previous comment, but I stand by it.
If a councillor wishes to have a pet project, they should pay for it not us.
The taxpayers in Huntsville are not able to support this continued misuse of tax money.
Look at the mess created by the whole washroom fiasco, in a park where no music is played in a bandshell paid for by public funds!
Allen Markle says
I worked with people who I guess are now members of the ‘rainbow’ community, whether they choose to be or not. They were and are just people for me , and I never once felt that they weren’t part of the overall community. They never discussed their tastes or proclivities to me and they sure as hell never had to sit and listen to mine. But we did talk about most everything else.
This infatuation with a ‘rainbow’ crosswalk is more divisive than inclusive. It causes people on both sides to dig in and become obstinate. And the whole thing goes south when the price on that strip of colour becomes the focus. Tarmo Uukkivi says prices of quotes (rough estimate) have risen about 62%, just this year. Sure hope (but maybe he’s in the ballpark) that they don’t use his calculator when they drop the cost of ‘two full service hospitals’ on Muskoka. Five hundred million a pop, times 1.6 X2!! Nosebleed. And that’s just the buildings folks.
We have councilors and citizens quoting prices for similar jobs, that are nowhere near what staff are proposing, so what’s the catch? Is the word out that Huntsville will pay, so sock-it -to-them. I like the city of Barrie Job for $10. (I know, I know). Hell, I’d give the town that, if it would do away with this incessant drone.
And does that “not put on the tax base” comment conjures up visions? Can’t imagine our council is spending money not contributed by tax payers. Or of a concerned citizen donating the money for the job. But even such benevolence gets punted in Huntsville, know what I mean? Brings to mind the line in the 1970 movie ‘Joe’. Might not recall perfectly, but it goes something like “Ever have one of those days when everything you touch just goes to s#@t?” Is that happening here with our staff and council? Maybe that’s to harsh?
Could the solution be a go-fund-me page? That would allow people who choose to donate, the opportunity to do so. If you’re not so inclined, you can opt out. Everyone’s happy. And not a tax-payer dollar involved.
But 80,000.00 tax dollars for a strip of paint??? Get real!!!
Brenda Begg says
Hmmm. Let’s think about the money spent on Kent Park a.k.a ‘The Concrete Jungle.’ It seems that this was not well received by many. Let’s keep that in mind re the following.
I’m very much on board with supporting Muskoka Pride and, the installation of public town toilets. However, $81,000 for a crosswalk that will require maintenance and $688,000+ for two outdoor toilets somehow doesn’t make sense.
With that said, I am interested in hearing about the “something that can be more substantial and inclusive.” I’m assuming the cost of the upkeep would be reasonable and low maintenance. I’m also hopeful that the public toilet issue can be resolved.
Scott Thomas says
Isn’t about time we start thinking “Outside the Box”? Is a “Rainbow ” sidewalk really going to make a difference? Is there a better way to spend tax dollars?. And at what point does this “craziness” stop?
Tax dollars are for collected by the people, and should be spent on the people!!! Stop the inclusiveness, before it gets too far out of hand. We need better health care, better roads, better infrastructure, those are just SOME of the things that people need, and use everyday. If specialty groups want to put up flags and special sidewalks, then let THEM raise the funds and maintain them!
Gordon Middleton says
I got into the wrong line of work! $50,000 for one night’s work? Sign me up for that job.
I like rainbow crosswalks. They’re s vibrant and practical in regards to pedestrian safety – and if it promotes awareness and acceptance of groups who have been traditionally marginalized and discriminated against then I like them all the more.
But $50G+… I don’t like them THAT much.
Alan Perry says
How about instead of the cross walk we spend tax payers money on repairs to things that need it.The west end is getting to be a disgrace and safety hazard, weeds and garbage and a retaining wall along the streets sidewalk is slowly falling over .This is what you want a main artery to look like coming into Huntsville (not a good look) a tourist town, what a shame wasting money on painting a crosswalk.
Susan Magee says
I totally agree with Allen Markle’s comments so I won’t repeat. But I would like to emphasize his first two paragraphs which are right on the money as far as I am concerned.
The fact that council would even CONSIDER for 1 second spending tax payers money on such a project tells me they are NOT listening to the people whom they are supposed to represent. Maybe the comments above will have an effect on their decision. I certainly hope so!
Adam Drake says
Huntsville town council needs to find a way to come together and get it done. Don’t be afraid of people complaining about taxes, or the ‘waste’. Many other communities get cross walks at a fraction of that cost and often supported by donations and volunteers and local churches. Feel free to reach out to other towns and they will be more than happy to share information, costs, contractors, etc. The real question is are you an accepting open community and are you willing to show it to everyone?
Chas Clark says
One other aspect besides the horrendous and unnecessary expense is that the insurance companies will have a field day if someone is injured on the crossing as it does not conform to the standards and markings for a pedestrian crossing. They can easily avoid any claim and the town will no doubt have to bear the cost of the claim.
Mac Redden says
$81K vs $7K for crosswalk paint?
$400K to turn green Kent park into a barren concrete jungle? That mistake has still not been corrected.
$688K for two $300K donated toilets? Seriously?
Rapidly approaching a BILLION dollars blown by the District? Worst group of people our neighbourhoods have ever come across.
Have all Muskoka councillors lost their mind?
Drunken sailors are thriftier.
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/kent-park-redesign-has-been-completed/
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/council-defers-decision-on-whether-to-approve-a-350-cost-increase-to-prepare-the-site-for-the-donated-river-mill-park-washrooms/
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/big-stink-district-tackles-multiple-wastewater-issues/
Douglas Wilson says
Tell me please, why do we need a rainbow crosswalk?
Allen Markle says
I don’t speak for anyone other than myself, but I imagine there are a few out there that feel as I do about the LBJQ community. I’m pretty ambivalent about their life choices. They are their choices and certainly not mine. They have to convince themselves they are part of the community, and not keep telling me they aren’t.
For sure there are some who will never be receptive, just as surely as there are those who will never accept the differences of race, colour, creed or religion.
One recent comment said that we (the straight community I suppose) can “do better”. But I’m inclined to believe, that if every pole in Huntsville had a flag and every street had a rainbow across it, there would still be somebody saying they don’t feel included. Plateau bargainers. Demanding more.
Our insecurities are our own and we have to deal with them. Go about our business, be who we are and don’t make demands of those who will never be receptive or understanding.
And for Mo James who questioned “Do you believe none of these tourists are gay?”
Why is that my business?
Suzanne Treadwell says
I voiced my opinion about this subject on June8/23. I stand by it .
There is absolutely no reason that this idea should come to fruition. Council should cancel any further discussion on the “rainbow sidewalk”.
Council should focus on real issues and not frivolous banalities.
NP Jones says
If I were a 13-year-old queer kid living in Huntsville I would be getting the message from most of these commenters that I don’t belong here. The price for the crosswalk is absurdly high—so do something else to let queer kids know that the community *does support them.
Mark Armstrong says
News Flash
September 1st, 2023 – Town of Huntsville installs $81,000 Pride crosswalk.
September 2nd, 2023 – Hate crime being investigated in Huntsville as a result of damage to newly installed Pride sidewalk. $20,000 to repair Pride sidewalk.
September 4th, 2023 – Newly repaired Pride crosswalk again subjected to vandalism. Police to establish task force to combat hate crime.
September 7th, 2023 – Video surveillance cameras to be installed to monitor Pride crosswalk. Estimated cost $125,000.
October 2nd, 2023 – Police announce that an arrest has been made in the Pride crosswalk hate crime. A 17 year old has been charges with spinning the tires of his 2002 Ford pick-up causing damage to the crosswalk. Released on bail after 3 days in custody.
October 5th, 2023 – See September 2nd, 2023 news release.
October 1, 2023 – Councillors approve the removal of Pride Crosswalk to be replaced by permanent bronze memorial plaque laid into the road surface recognizing the life achievements of the Pride Crosswalk. Cost to taxpayers $250,000.
Mat 22, 2024, teen receives $82 fine and 2 demerit points for spinning tires on the former site of the Pride Crosswalk.
I’ve now spent more time on this posting than Council should have spent on this matter.
Bill Spring says
I would donate to a fund for the rainbow crosswalk