The downtown core exploded with colour as Ottawa’s Capital Pride Parade marched through packed streets.
The parade started shortly after 1 p.m. near the Canadian War Museum at Wellington and Booth streets. It moved east to Bank Street before ending at the intersection on Slater Street, where roadway was closed off for dozens of local vendors.
It was a new route for the parade after last year’s event was cancelled following a high-profile protest that stalled thousands of people from leaving the original staging area near City Hall.
Last August, members of Queers for Palestine Ottawa blocked the parade route on Wellington Street demanding action from both Capital Pride and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe over the organization’s handling of a pro-Palestinian solidarity statement first issued in 2024.
Capital Pride ultimately cancelled the remainder of the parade, citing logistical constraints and permit limitations.
This summer, thousands of people flocked to the streets to cheer on the huge floats, sing along to groovy songs and celebrate shoulder-to-shoulder. Organizers say more than 225 community groups and 10,000 people participated.
Members of the Carleton University Students’ Association marched as a group with the Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre. Carleton’s independent campus radio station, CKCU-FM, also participated.
Meanwhile, Carleton University did not march in this year’s parade citing “resource considerations.” It marks the third straight year the university has not participated in Capital Pride.
Sutcliffe paraded on a float alongside many city councillors, including mayor-hopeful Jeff Leiper. Neil Saravanamuttoo, who’s eyeing the city’s top job, marched as well.
Featured image by Simon McKeown/the Charlatan
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