Sudbury Pride march returns for first time in two years

Fierté Sudbury Pride is hosting a march this Saturday after cancelling the event the past two years due to safety concerns and ongoing discussions around police involvement.

The march, which has not taken place since 2022, will begin at 4 p.m. on July 13. Unlike previous years, when Sudbury streets were closed, this year's march will be held on sidewalks.

"In the province of Ontario, the way that our road closure and the way that marching on the street works it is decided by the police if it's needed, and unfortunately, our local police decided that they were needed and there was no willingness to explore alternatives," said Aspen Groom, chair of Fierté Sudbury Pride. 

"So we opted for a sidewalk march because we think that marching is the important part."

Groom told CBC News that many 2SLGBTQ+ community members wouldn't feel safe if police officers were present at the march.

"This doesn't mean that we won't have things look differently in the future, but the real important thing is that people see us," they said. 

"This is just one alternative step for now. We know that transformation takes time."

Organizers have trained marshals and volunteers in place to help monitor safety and check in on attendees.

"We're really prioritizing those systems," Groom said. "People have their basic needs met, they're not too hot, they have water, they feel cared for."

Events this weekend

The Pride march is one of several events scheduled for the weekend as part of Sudbury's broader Pride Week celebrations.

The day kicks off with a family-friendly block party from 1 to 4 p.m. on Durham Street, in front of the YMCA. That portion of the street will be closed for the event.

Sunday will wrap up with a Pride brunch hosted by the Bawating Babes, a two-spirit drag group.

"We've had really great turnouts already," Groom said. "The energy has been really good. People have been really supportive and kind and engaged."

Groom said the return of the march, alongside a full week of programming, sends a clear message.

"It might not be safe everywhere, especially right now," they said. "But certainly you could show that there are people who are safe in our community, who care and that's why it's so important for folks to show up."