Pride crosswalk
UVic’s pride crosswalk is an important symbol of inclusion, care and collaboration in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UVic. It is located on Ring Road, between Cheko’nien House and the Mearns-McPherson Library.
About the design
UVic heard from community members about their reflections on what it means to paint a flag of any kind on unceded Indigenous land. The recommendation was that any new Pride crosswalk should be designed by an Indigenous queer artist who is connected to local Indigenous lands and communities.
As a result, the university commissioned Margaret August to design the crosswalk. Margaret is a Two-Spirit, Coast Salish artist from shíshálh Nation.
The 2S Moonface design is paying homage to queerness in all identities on the queer spectrum. The face depicted in the center of the rainbow is a representation in the general sense, of Coast Salish territories while acknowledging the Two-Spirit identities which have always existed since time immemorial.
In the traditional meaning a supernatural moon face symbolizes as well as embodies feminine energies. The moon face unveils a person’s inner wisdom and intuition. The moon is often associated with women, when they are on their “moon time”, where their power is at its strongest. It is a time to cleanse herself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
This particular asymmetrical design featured on the queer symbolizing rainbow flag is a combination of male and female energies to represent, the balanced and sacred wholeness.”
About the process
The Rainbow Crosswalk Steering Committee was established in 2021. Its aim was to consult and consider what policies, programs and institutional structures UVic requires to welcome and support 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty.
The university agreed to wait to re-paint the former rainbow crosswalk (near the SUB) until engagement had concluded and meaningful supports, programs and services were in place.
Since then, the university has taken several steps to better support an inclusive and welcoming environment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UVic:
- In response to calls for resources and supports to be made more findable, a new central UVic webpage was created.
- Significant time and resources went into improving access to safe all-gender washrooms on campus. Almost every high-traffic UVic building now has at least one all-gender washroom and all new building projects include all-gender multi-stall washrooms.
- Work went into expanding gender declaration options for UVic applicants, students and employees. Now, your gender identity and gender expression can be updated through Banner, the main UVic record system.
- The Better Data Project was launched to give the university a better understanding of campus demographics. This data is used to inform services and initiatives across campus, including programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.
- EQHR updated Anti-Oppression Education to support a more inclusive and equitable campus environment - including a focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ realities, experiences.
- The UVic Pride Caucus was formed to create a network of support, organize events and make recommendations in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UVic.
As co-chair of the committee, I am thrilled that the new rainbow crosswalk has been installed. This process not only resulted in an incredible Indigequeer design, but supported us in identifying what is needed to continue cultivating an inclusive campus community.
The crosswalk is an important symbol of UVic’s commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty—we are proud of these efforts, proud of our community, and committed to the work ahead.”
About the current location
The crosswalk design is eye-catching and colourful and the university is keen to ensure it stays that way for as long as possible. As such, the crosswalk has been constructed with thermoplastic, which is much more durable and long-lasting than paint.
The asphalt at the former location (near the SUB) is damaged and could not sustain an installation like this without significant upgrades. Moreover, since Margaret’s design isn’t the traditional zebra-stripe crosswalk, Transport Canada requires its installation alongside pedestrian-controlled flashing lights.
With all of this in mind, the new crosswalk was installed on Ring Road, between Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ/ Cheko’nien House and the Mearns-McPherson Library, home of the Transgender Archives. As part of UVic’s campus greenway, this location sees significant foot and vehicle traffic, connecting student housing buildings, the Cove Dining Hall and Student Union Building with the rest of campus.
About the former location
Over the summer 2026, the university will conduct minor repairs to the asphalt at the former crosswalk (on Ring Road near the SUB) to ensure it remains accessible. It will also be repainted as a standard white crosswalk so that it remains visible and safe. These repairs are a temporary fix as the university explores opportunities for the significant maintenance needed to maintain this section of road long-term.