Vancouver Pride gets $75K grant to ensure festival can go ahead

Vancouver's Pride festival will go ahead this summer after city council committed $75,000 in funding to support it.

Vancouver council voted unanimously Wednesday to allocate $75,000 in city funding towards making sure this year’s Pride Festival can go ahead.

Coun. Rebecca Bligh’s motion noted August festival was at “significant risk” due to a drop in sponsorship.

“In a time when many residents are facing increasing challenges with affordability and a high cost of living, supporting events such as those produced by the Vancouver Pride Society can encourage greater community connection and vibrancy,” the motion said.

Bligh also noted council has made a number of similar moves lately, pitching in financially at the behest of organizers who are struggling with a combination of increased costs and decreased funding. Italian Day on the Drive, the Vaisakhi Parade and Car Free Days are among the events council has voted to provide with one-time grants this year.

Speakers at Wednesday’s meeting supported the motion, saying a vote in favour would not only ensure the event can proceed, but would also be a significant show of solidarity.

“Changes around the world, changes within our own backyards are holding us back, and we want to ensure that every person has the opportunity to be themselves to be able to celebrate,” said John Boychuk, co-chair of the Vancouver Pride Society.

“This city, as a partner, will have an excellent opportunity to show Vancouver that you’re in for the long haul to overcome whatever challenges that there may be.”

Applause broke out in the council chamber when the motion passed.