City Council Approves $100,000 for Pride Toronto

TORONTO () -- Pride Toronto announced today that the City of Toronto Economic Development and Culture Division Community Partnership and Investment Program has approved a $100,000 investment in this year’s 25th annual Pride Week. Toronto City Council finalized the decision last week.

“Every year, Pride Week showcases top-level artistic performances, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Toronto and pumping millions of dollars into the local economy,” said Fred Pitt, Pride Toronto Co-chair. “With this much-needed funding, City Council is acknowledging Pride Toronto as a major cultural organization and recognizing Pride Week’s significant economic, artistic and cultural impact on Toronto.”

This is the first time the City of Toronto has provided funds to Pride Toronto, the volunteer-driven, not-for-profit entity that organizes Pride Week. Previously, the city waived fees for things like policing and street closures during Pride Week.

“We’re fortunate to have many supporters of the arts on City Council, including Councillor Kyle Rae, who has been a great champion of our organization and Pride Week,” concluded Pitt. “We’re grateful to him and everyone at the City of Toronto for their support and we look forward to working with them in the future to secure stable, long-term funding for Pride Week’s next 25 years.”

Earlier this year, Pride Week was awarded the Best Festival in Canada title at the 8th Annual Canadian Event Industry Star Awards (CEIA). It is also designated one of eight official “Signature Events” by the City of Toronto and one of the “Top 50 Festivals in Ontario” by Festivals & Events Ontario. For dates and details, go to the Bgay.com Calendar