Rainbow Bench Program
Fernie Pride Society has painted the four crosswalks at the intersection of 3rd Ave and 5th Street in Fernie many times. It is a great, highly visible location, being next to the Post Office, Fernie Heritage Library, Scotiabank, City Hall and the Senior’s Centre.
Traditionally, the crosswalks were painted in the lead-up to the Elk Valley Pride Festival, generating buzz and awareness. However, the crosswalks have always been short-lived, due to rain dissolving the environmentally-friendly paint. One year rains took out the crosswalks only 3 days after they were painted.
As a result, Fernie Pride has shifted our focus to installing year-round, durable Rainbow Benches in each of the Elk Valley Communities.
Why Have Rainbow Infrastructure?
- Visibility and Representation: These installations signal to residents and visitors alike that Fernie is a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Economic Impact: Research shows that communities known for their inclusivity attract diverse visitors and potential new residents, supporting local businesses and community growth.
- Community Well-being: For 2SLGBTQ+ residents, especially youth, visible symbols of acceptance can significantly impact mental health and feelings of belonging. These installations communicate that they are valued members of our community.
- Educational Opportunities: A permanent installation creates ongoing opportunities for community dialogue about diversity and inclusion.
Rainbow infrastructure—such as crosswalks, benches, and murals—is more than just colourful decoration. It serves as a visible symbol of a community’s commitment to inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. These installations send a clear and affirming message: queer and trans individuals are seen, valued, and supported here. For those who may feel isolated or marginalized, these symbols can be a powerful reminder that they are not alone, and that their identity is respected and celebrated in public spaces. This is particularly valuable for visitors to our communities, with many 2SLGBTQ+ travelers indicating that they truly feel welcomed to a place when there is rainbow infrastructure to greet them. These symbols are also valuable for people who are not out, for various reasons, as a way to know that they are not alone, even if it may feel like it at the moment.
For the broader community, rainbow infrastructure fosters a culture of acceptance and dialogue. It demonstrates civic leadership in promoting equity and can serve as a point of pride for residents and businesses alike. These visible markers help cultivate a sense of shared responsibility for creating safer, more welcoming neighbourhoods for everyone—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
A Bench in Each Community
Sparwood Bench
The District of Sparwood installed a Rainbow Bench in the fall of 2024. It is located behind the Leisure Centre, next to the walking path at the edge of the multipurpose field. This location is highly visible and well-used by the community.
Thank you to the District for being the first community to partner with us and install this new asset.
Fernie Bench
The City of Fernie installed a Rainbow Bench in the fall of 2024. It is located behind on Pine Avenue, near the Splash Park and Fernie Aquatic Centre. This location has beautiful views and is frequently used by the community, while being visible from a main intersection in town.
Thank you to the City of Fernie for partnering with us for this new, durable, inclusive bench.
Grateful for the support of:
