Colourful crosswalk art proposal approved

By Manvir Kaur and Miranda Monahan

There will soon be some colourful street art installations throughout the city, after Windsor city council approved a proposal for crosswalk art.

The proposal was approved on Feb. 4, after Ward 4 councillor, Chris Holt, presented the idea of painting crosswalks in the city.

A number of organizations, including Frank W. Begley Public School, Windsor Police Services and Windsor Essex Pride Fest provided support for suggestion the city to allow painting that intersections.

John Wolf is senior manager of traffic operations, parking and transportation planning.

“The size, colour and location of crosswalks are governed by the Ontario Traffic Manuals,” said Wolf. “Several different types of crosswalk treatments exist, with use determined by purpose. Typical crosswalk lines must be parallel, retroreflective lines 10 cm to 20 cm to provide greater delineation of pedestrian crosswalk.”

Cathy Masterson is the manager of cultural affairs for the City of Windsor.

“The Painted Crosswalks project came forward as a result of requests by organizations,” said Masterson.

Painting these crosswalks will come with a steep price tag.

“Asphalt painting could cost $1,000 and thermoplastic paint could cost up to $15,000.  Both have different life cycle expectancies. As the community organization will fund the project, it will be their choice as to how long they wish the crosswalks to remain visible,” said Masterson. The life expectancy of thermoplastic paints can be up to five years, as  long as 3mm of paint is applied. If there is 1mm of paint applied, the paint will only last three years.

There is no funding available. However, there could be one grant opportunity available.

According to the official city council meeting minutes from Feb. 4, “The council approved grant program known as the arts culture and heritage fund (ACHF) is a grant that has two rounds of funding each year at a value of $43,600, each round totalling $87, 200 each year. It should be noted that this grant is established each budget year and is not a guaranteed funding opportunity.”

When designs are submitted, transportation and cultural affairs staff will decide if the design is appropriate for the location proposed. Crosswalks will be painted by the people who live in the neighbourhood where the crosswalk is located.

Julien Butler is a volunteer with The Initiative (Glengarry to Marentette). She said that the proposed local sites for this pilot project are Aylmer Avenue and University Avenue East, and Marentette Avenue where it intersects with Assumption Street.

Justin LaFontaine is with the Stroll Windsor organization. He sent a letter of support to council for painted crosswalks.

“Stroll Windsor is a soon-to-be-launched, community initiative that supports, celebrates, and promotes meaningful pedestrian experience and interactions in our urban villages, to foster the “tradition” of strolling among Windsor’s resident and visitors, and encourage people to discover the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and support local businesses,” wrote  LaFontaine.

The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has produced a  musical notes concept of the themed crosswalk.

Tom Lucier is the owner of Phog Lounge on University Avenue West.

“I think music notes are universal. So, it applies to the Windsor Symphony, Phog Lounge, Villains and other arts-related businesses in our area,” said Lucier. “It is good way to demarcate our section of downtown as the arts hub with something like this.”

According to Lucier, whenever these things get tendered through the city, the cost is often much more expensive than if a local artist was commissioned to do it.

“It beats the plainness of having nothing there. Downtown needs lots of comprehensive solutions to get people to hang out in the core,” said Lucier. “Crosswalks won’t do it, but they are a part of the welcoming solution.”

It is unknown how soon there could be some colourful crosswalks in the city. However, according to Masterson, there have already been four designs submitted for consideration.