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Donations fully pay for Simcoe rainbow crosswalk

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Fervent fundraisers and a single big donor have ensured a rainbow crosswalk to be painted in Norfolk County will last for years without burdening taxpayers.

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While Mayor Kristal Chopp and several councillors rejected a staff recommendation last week for a quality painted crosswalk of thermal-plastic that would cost $15,000, the vote was reversed on Tuesday after Ward 5 Coun. Ian Rabbitts announced that funds for the work and for future maintenance had been raised.

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“The full amount has been raised for thermo-plastic paint,” said Rabbitts, who had previously called for council to ante up for the more expensive option.

“The group really wanted the correct material.”

Rabbitts said his research showed that an ordinary painted crosswalk was cheaper but would last for little more than a year without extensive touchups due to high traffic, sunlight and vandalism.

“The cheapest (thermo-plastic) rainbow sidewalk I could find was approved in Kitchener for $12,000 in 2018.”

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Norfolk youngster Ryder Mandryk has been advocating for a rainbow sidewalk in Simcoe. Assisted by former Port Dover Board of Trade president Adam Veri, the nine-year-old has become the face of the fundraising project called Ryder’s Rainbow, which raised about $7,500 for the painted crosswalk.

Last week, council voted to proceed with the project only if it was within the amount of money raised and agreed that all future decorative crosswalks should be considered only if a requesting group could pay for them.

But councillors were told a single donor came forward with $10,000 that not only covers the installation of the high-quality crosswalk but leaves money in the kitty for maintenance.

“The Hellyer Foundation contacted me and offered the funds,” said Veri.

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The foundation focuses funds on a broad range of initiatives, mainly in Ontario.

“It’s a really good feeling to have someone come out of the blue and save the day like that. Ryder and her family are super-appreciative.”

The multi-coloured walkway is planned for Union Street at Norfolk Street North.

Several councillors said they supported the idea of the rainbow crosswalk but couldn’t justify the estimated $15,000 cost and suggested the county go with a painted crosswalk.

“Having an inferior product could end up costing the taxpayer more in the long run,” said Rabbitts.

County staff have estimated the higher-quality project could last 10 to 12 years with some maintenance.

Council approved the project unanimously and the work will be done this summer.

SGamble@postmedia.com

@EXPSGamble

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