Calgary Pride can't afford rainbow crosswalk

The multi-coloured rainbow crosswalk might not materialize for this year's 26th Annual Calgary Pride celebrations unless it can be paid for completely by private donations.

Coun. Sean Chu, who represents Ward 4, told Calgary Eyeopeneron Tuesday that he is helpingCalgary Pridefindprivate funding to cover the cost of the crosswalk ahead of the 26th annual Calgary Pride Parade on Sept. 4.

Pride Week happens fromAug. 27 to Sept. 4.

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ThoughCalgary Pridehas had a great fundraising year, it can't afford to help pay for the crosswalk, said Craig Sklenar,director of government affairs for Calgary Pride.

"Our organization runs primarily to pay for the parade and the festival and all our funds go into running that," he said.

ButChu and Calgary Pride don't want taxpayers footing the bill either.

"Private funding would be the best way to go rather than the taxpayer paying for it," said Chu.

Roughly $4,000 price tag

Last year, the rainbow crosswalkwaslocated in front of City Hallon Macleod Trail, and cost around$4,000. The pricetag included special eco-friendly paint, and equipmentand manpower, plus closing down the street to do the work.

It was covered by Calgary Pride, Ward 4, a one-time city council donation and some private donors.

This yearcosts are expected to stay between $3,500 and$4,000, now that the city's road's department knows what to expect, saidSklenar,

The 2015 rainbow crosswalk is thought tohave been the largest in Canada, in celebration of Calgary's Pride's 25th anniversary. This year, if donations come through, it will be painted in front of the Calgary Tower on Ninth Avenue, rightalong the parade route, saidSklenar.

The crosswalk is a dynamic symbol for the city, he said.

"It shows a visible representation of Calgary Pride. It's more than just a parade itself, it provides a day-to-day reminder of our diversity in the city."

Sklenaris hopeful Pride Week is going to be bigger than last year, which attracted around 60,000 people. There is a wait list for vendor booths at Shaw Millennium Park on Sept. 4 as well as parade entries up over last year's 125, he said.

"We know that energy will translate into support," Sklenarsaid.

Interested donors should visit calgarypride.ca for more information.

With files the Calgary Eyeopener