Saanich launches inaugural 'Pride Month' and first pride event
The District of Saanich is partnering with the Victoria Pride Society and the Inter-cultural Association (ICA) to celebrate LGBTQ2+ members in the community this month.
On Wednesday, a ceremony was held to raise the Progress Pride Flag on the flagpole at the entrance to Saanich’s municipal hall.
The district has also declared June to be "Pride Month in Saanich" in support of, and celebration of, the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
"Saanich council and staff look forward each year to the many Pride activities in our community," said acting Mayor Karen Harper.
"We strive to eliminate discrimination in all of its forms, choosing instead to help create an equitable and inclusive community that addresses discrimination in our diverse home."
Saanich declared June "Pride Month in Saanich" at a ceremony at Saanich municipal hall on June 1, 2022. (CTV News)
New for this year, the municipality will be hosting "Pride in the Park," a family-friendly event at Beckwith Park which will feature live music, food, and activities, including pride-themed crafts for participants to take home.
The event will take place on June 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Every year we do a little bit more to raise visibility and safety for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community," said Saanich community services senior manager Cristina Caravaca.
"To us, LGBTQ+ communities are not new, we’ve always been here, and it’s just a time to celebrate and make everybody feel part of the community," she said.
PRIDE PARADE RETURNS
The Victoria Pride Society says by expanding Pride events in Saanich, there's more inclusion and growth for the LGBTQ2+ members living in Greater Victoria.
"Often we feel like we get to be ourselves one day a year, fully ourselves, without judgement," said Victoria Pride Society president Britton Kohn.
"This means we are adding more days to the calendar in more municipalities and I hope other municipalities follow Saanich’s leadership."
Kohn says one of the highlights for 2022 is the return of the Victoria Pride Parade.
It is the first time the organization has been able to hold in-person events since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
"I invite everyone to come out and celebrate with each other," said Kohn.
The Victoria Pride Festival kicks off on June 23 and runs until July 2. A full list of events can be found on the Victoria Pride website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.