Sunday’s parade, the culmination of Pride Week in Ottawa, was the first Capital Pride parade in the city since 2019. Capital Pride executive director Toby Whitfield says a record-breaking crowd turned out this year. “Absolutely spectacular,” he said. “We couldn’t be prouder of how things went this week.” Calling it “the biggest we’ve ever seen,” Whitfield says 185 floats have registered for this year’s parade. Good weather and months of planning helped make the weekend event so spectacular, he said. “We’ve seen record numbers at all of our events so far,” Whitfield told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Chris Holski on “Ottawa at Work” on Friday. “There seems to be a buzz in the air. People are excited to come together again to celebrate and come together as a community.” This buzz in the air was felt by participants and spectators alike. “I think after three years everyone gets a little bit of cabin fever every now and then, so it’s nice to get out on the road and celebrate,” said Capital Pride volunteer Caitlin Sexton. “Joyful, festive, exuberant and gay … very gay atmosphere, we love to see it.” Chuk Odenigbo said being at the parade was magical. “It’s amazing. First pride since the pandemic in person and just being surrounded by so many other great people, there’s something really magical about being in your own community and being so here and alive… happy and excited,” she said. . “There’s also a lot of acceptance and joy happening right now. Seeing people’s faces and seeing how relaxed and comfortable and happy they look. I think it’s just magical.” The Capital Pride street festival runs until 8 p.m. on Bank Street between James and Slater Streets. Three stages have been set up around the parade and street festival areas at Bank and Slater, Bank and Somerset and Bank and Laurier. Canadian singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson headlined the TD Main Stage at Bank and Slater Streets. Whitfield says that while the festival is a celebration of the gains made for LGBTQ2S+ rights, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done, including issues like safety and access to trans health care. “We know people are here to celebrate, but we also want to take opportunities to talk about these important advocacy issues,” he said. “We know that many of the organizations that will be joining us for the parade will be doing just that. Pride grew out of a protest and there will always be important advocacy work.” More details on today’s events can be found on the Capital Pride website. “Whether this is your first Pride Parade, whether you’ve joined us for some virtual programming over the past two years, or hit the streets the last time we were together in 2019, everyone is welcome here at the Capital Pride Festival this weekend,” says Whitfield. It wasn’t Erika Miessner’s first parade, but it was the first for many friends. “The first time they can really immerse themselves in that festive atmosphere, it’s very important,” Miesner said. Participant Melissa Perrier says it’s important to make sure everyone feels welcome, both at Pride and throughout the year. “Both of our kids are recognized as part of the rainbow and we think it’s really important that all kids in a class feel represented and cared for. It was a lot of fun. Everyone had a great time and everyone works together.”
Road closures
The following streets are closed until 23:59 for the Capital Pride Street Festival:
Bank Street, from James Street to Slater Street Somerset Street, from Bank Street to O’Connor Street
