With the Year of the Tiger underway, the City of Victoria is celebrating by painting zodiac animals along a crosswalk to Chinatown.
At the intersection of Government and Fisgard Streets near the Gate of Harmonious Interest, the refreshed crosswalk now features 12 zodiac animals, including a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
On Saturday, June 25th, the city took to Twitter to share a photo of the completed work, with city councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe saying it “Looks awesome!”
We’re celebrating Year of the Tiger with a zodiac crosswalk marking the entrance to Chinatown. Check it out at the intersection of Government Street and Fisgard Street. pic.twitter.com/iz5VjyZbJ5
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) June 25, 2022
“Thank you, staff, for making it happen!” said Thornton-Joe.
The long-time councillor says she brought the idea forward after coming across a crosswalk painted with zodiac animals at the Chinatown in Washington, DC, roughly three years ago.
SEE ALSO: Victoria city councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe won’t be seeking re-election this fall
“I asked staff what it would take to do something similar. Since work was being done on that road anyway, it could be done without much cost or effort as part of the planned work,” explained Thornton-Joe.
According to ChinaHighlights.com, the tiger is known as the “king of all beasts” in China and symbolizes strength and braveness, with many Chinese children wearing hats or shoes with a tiger image for good luck.
