When approached to create the identifier for CRD’s first ever presence in the Victoria Pride Parade, CAO Ted Robbins had a vision for a butterfly to be incorporated. So I dove in and researched butterflies that inhabit the island, and found a beautiful species called Edith’s Checkerspot. Upon doing research on Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas Editha), they are a resilient species and researchers are amazed at how many shapes and forms they can take! I thought this was a lovely nod to the spectrum of sexualities and identities we have as humans. While the design eventually moved away from the traditional Checkerspot shape and colour – the spirit of the species was kept in mind. While there are a multitude of symbols that can be interpreted from butterflies, they are primarily known to signify transformation, joy and hope.

One of my favourite memories was walking up to the garage at the Integrated Water Services building for a volunteer night of float decorating. Coming around the corner, dance music bumping, and seeing the butterfly so big for the first time, surrounded by a beautiful team of CRD colleagues, friends and family was truly a magical experience.