Leading up to Pride Week, the Southwest Saskatchewan Pride organization has helped brighten up part of downtown Swift Current.

The crosswalk on the 200 block of Central Ave N has been permanently painted the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ community.

This marks the first permanently-painted pedestrian crossing in the province - a heartfelt feat for those involved, as well as passers-by.

"It was a thrilling moment for my life in Swift Current and I think it's a pretty cool moment in the history of Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan," said Andrea McCrimmon, Chair of Southwest Saskatchewan Pride. "Last night, people were driving by honking; there were literally tears of joy from people passing by."

McCrimmon, who was one of many in Council Chambers on Monday to declare May 28th to June 3rd "Pride Week" in Swift Current, shares that this crosswalk painting was a lengthy process but certainly proved to be worth the wait.

"We've been working on getting this project approved for a number of month. It was pretty incredible to get the approval from the City of Swift Current," said McCrimmon. "They've been very supportive throughout this whole process and really made this rainbow crosswalk happen. It means so much to the LGBTQ community in Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan."

The thoughts of the Chair of Southwest Saskatchewan Pride were shared late last night in a release - echoed by the rest of the organization.

"I am so very proud of Swift Current. I think our community has really come together to support LGBT people. It very much speaks to the inclusive attitudes of our city, and it makes our community stronger. Swift Current has a strong LGBT community. This is important for us, and it’s good."