Sent from Renfrew Pride
Response requested by October 12

​A beacon in the dark.
It’s Renfrew Pride’s goal to create a safe space for everyone in our community to be their authentic selves and to live their life in the light. We are a volunteer-run organization, working to create a safe and inclusive community for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

The reality is, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, non-binary and others on the LGBTQ rainbow often face bullying, rejection, violence and discrimination at school, at home, at work and in the community.

Studies show that homophobia and transphobia lead to increased risk of self-harm, drug use and homelessness in the LGBTQ population. Supportive environments are essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of LGBTQ youth and adults.

As a community we can take action. This year’s Pride events were a great example. Our town raised the rainbow flag and we welcomed more than 200 people to Low Square for a family friendly picnic, story time with a Drag Queen and fun games for the kids. Our Queer Pride Prom was the first of its kind in the Valley and attracted folks from across the county as well as Ottawa and we even had guests from as far as British Columbia.

Interesting fact, the couple from BC was optimistic our Queer Pride Prom idea would make its way west. They said there was nothing like that in their area.

As a candidate for Mayor or Town Councillor, please tell us how you will help create a safe and inclusive community for all. We respectfully ask that you answer the following questions and feel free to add your own comments. We’ll share your responses on our Renfrew Pride Facebook page and with PFLAG Renfrew County’s website and group.

Please email your response to [email protected] by October 12. We recognize this is rather short notice and we appreciate your feedback.

1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?

2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County?
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3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults?

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply.

Sincerely,
Chris Kyte (She/Her)
[email protected]

​Good afternoon and thank you for this email.
Public safety and health is the number one reason I live in the town of Renfrew.
Do I believe that painting concrete is a good idea? No, but simply because it chips and flakes and is a huge maintenance cost.
Do I think that the town of Renfrew could have a flag pole with the rainbow flag, that flies daily at the front door of the Town Hall? Yes, because when I see a rainbow flag, it reminds me that “It is OK to love everybody!”.
A good Mayor will promote inclusion and protection for everyone including those who can’t speak for themselves.
This is a message that I would bring to any council meeting and to every school and facility where the Mayor will be asked to speak.
It is great that Renfrew has a solid mix of people that work together for the betterment of all. That is what keeps me living and working in Renfrew and that is what attracts others.
For over 50 years in my barbershop I have served everyone equally regardless of gender, nationality or education level. This will continue.
Thank you for your continuing excellence. You have the voice of love and that is what we need to share.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Windle
Candidate for Mayor of the Town of Renfrew

1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
I would support a rainbow Sidewalk, and would work with Council to cover the initial cost of the sidewalk – ie painting eta. I would need to investigate the yearly cost to maintain the sidewalk, since I heard it is very expensive for upkeep. I have not confirmed that, I’m just going by what I have heard. If it’s not an expensive upkeep to maintain, I would recommend that the Town maintain, but if it was a big amount, I would work with council and the Renfrew Pride Committee to see if we could work together on maintaining the Rainbow Sidewalk.

2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County?
The Town can promote your events by adding the event to all our media platforms, including our website. I would suggest Council to sit down with Renfrew Pride to discuss ways we could work together to help promote future events.

3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults?
I believe the big piece would be though education and working with the Police and Board to see how we all could work together to make Renfrew safe for everyone. On the education piece, I must admit I wasn’t fully educated at first. I have sense taken on the lead roll with CARE BRG in Ontario and we work closely with the LGBTQ BRG, and this has opened my eyes and educated me. This type of education needs to be shared with the residences of Renfrew and surrounding area.
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I hope I have answered your questions, and I want to Thank You for reaching out to me. If elected I will guarantee you, I will work with Renfrew Pride, Council, and the Residences of Renfrew to make sure we are all doing the right things to make Renfrew a safe place for everyone. If elected I would love to sit down with the Pride Committee, to hear from them on how we as council could help, promote, educate, and make Renfrew a safe place.
Thanks
Jason Legris

1)  In answer to your question about supporting a pride sidewalk- as a town councillor I would have to look at that on behave of all residents of Renfrew including the costs for such a project which they would be paying for unless your groups plan is to partner with a private company for funds or fundraising ? Your group is also not the only one that has come forward now to be recognized and who is just as important.

2 ) In answer to your enquiry about supporting and promoting your groups events - I am president of a group who has for the past 10 years fundraised for the children of the Ottawa Valley ( Toys for Kids Ride ) We found a group to partner with, Phoenix Centre and Family Services, went out and found sponsors such as Tim Hortons, Bell Lumber , etc to help promote our event. We paid for our advertising through donations. We only asked Renfrew for the use of some space to hold the event and that was their only contribution. Our event has successfully donated funds and new toys for the Phoenix Centre to give out at Christmas to the families who might not have anything for their children otherwise. The Town of Renfrew is asked multiple times for help with numerous deserving non profit groups and unfortunately the taxpayers of Renfrew cannot support all of them so those groups need to be creative to make their events happen. Please reach out anytime if I can help.

3 ) in answer to your question of making life safer in our community for your group -
Education, Education, and working closely with community police and the Renfrew Police Board. The laws we have are for everyone’s protection and I think better educating those who in the community about your group might work best.
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Thank you for your questions . I hope I get the opportunity to serve the people of Renfrew and to make a difference.
Clint McWhirter
Renfrew Town Councillor Candidate

Thanks for the email and the questions, please see my answers below.
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1. Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
Short Answer YES, I would support this.
Long Answer -- how long and how wide is the sidewalk? Where would you like it? Is it painted? Who pays for it, The Town, Your Organization? 50/50? Does your organization have a plan laid out? Overall, I feel together as team we can come up with a solution.

2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County?
As I am not aware of the ins and outs of how the town office works, however it does seem simple to promote your event just like the town promotes any other event that happens?

3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults?

EDUCATION!!! I will be the first to admit I am uneducated on they/them and non- binary. I hear and see these words used every so often, and I just don't understand it. I have been asking questions when I get the opportunity, sadly this is few and far between. We need to educate so all can understand. Sometimes when people don't understand, this turns into fear, fear turns into hate.

​These are my honest answers, I want people and organizations to see me as who I am.
Thanks for reaching out,
Very Best
Andrew Dick

Renfrew Pride's response to Andrew Dick's questions.
Thank you so very much for your prompt response! In response to your questions:

​Pride Sidewalk - the sidewalk was passed unanimously by the sitting council, however the work will not be completed until next year. This means the sidewalk will come back to council for a new decision.

We had a meeting yesterday to lay out the logistics of what this would look like and CAO Robert Tremblay is sending us a report on our meeting. Tentatively, the plan is to place three flags on the sidewalk beside town hall. Each flag would be three sidewalk blocks long and would be painted. Renfrew Pride is committed to obtaining at least 50% of the sponsorships and fundraising to cover costs.

Pride Events - We'll be figuring this out together. We've held our first successful Pride events this year and the Town's cooperation and support was a huge reason for our success. As we grow, we hope to work with the town to not only create successful events but to boost tourism and economic development by demonstrating Renfrew as an inclusive and progressive community.

Inclusive Community - Thank you for your honesty. I know it can be overwhelming when trying to educate ourselves and our community is constantly evolving. It's our intention to partner with Jill Holroyd of PFlag Renfrew County to meet with the new council, as well as town staff to answer those questions. Renfrew Pride began during the pandemic and shortly after our first events I had major surgery. So we're still working towards reaching out to the Town of Renfrew to help educate and inform the community as a whole on LGBTQ2S+.
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I'm also available anytime to answer your questions. As long as folks are asking with a genuine desire to understand, I'm a safe space for any questions, judgment free.

Andrew Dick's final response.
Thanks for all of this.
If the sitting council unanimously passed - I will not go against there decision -- seeing all my questions were answered - I would 100% continue to support this!

Pride Events -- YES -- Tourism, getting people into our town, I know Toronto is MUCH bigger than Renfrew, but look at there event - it's awesome. No reason we cannot continue to work together to make your event HUGE!

Community -- I welcome you with OPEN ARMS to any meeting to educate me and I am sure the new sitting council 

Thanks for all of your responses
Andrew

​Would you support a rainbow sidewalk in Renfrew, the first of its kind in Canada?
I have and will continue to support the Pride sidewalk. For me it’s more than a painted sidewalk. It’s a strong message to the LGBTQ2S+ community, their families and Allies that not only does Renfrew support you but we want you to feel safe and free to walk in YOUR community. Unfortunately there is still more work to do so people feel safe and free. We will get there
2. How can the Town of Renfrew work with us to promote and expand the annual Pride events to attract even more participants from Renfrew and across Renfrew County?
I believe the Town needs to support all Pride events but to also partner with Renfrew Pride to develop an all inclusive / pride festival with the opportunity to not only celebrate but to also learn and educate. It is also a great economic development/tourism opportunity for the town as well. We need to stand with you against the hate and misinformed
3. Do you have any other ideas or comments about how we can create a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ youth and adults?
Renfrew has recently received a grant that has been in the works for sometime. The goal is to facilitate educational opportunities for town staff and the community. Do community round-tables and events to learn what is needed, what is not working and own what we need to do better and do it. The town needs a strong relationship with not only Renfrew Pride but also PFlag Renfrew county so we are getting appropriate, and accurate information and education. We need to listen, continue to learn, advocate by standing up and correcting ignorance. We need to recognize that there is much more work to do to achieve this. We need to prioritize to commit to making Renfrew a safe and all inclusive community.