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Citing a reduced number of Ottawa Police Service officers to secure the safe closure of its route, Capital Pride has shortened its annual Pride Parade scheduled for Sunday.
The announcement on Thursday said police and the City of Ottawa informed it of the reduction in staff resources on Tuesday, just five days before the event, “after more than six months of planning between Capital Pride, the City and the Ottawa Police Service.”
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The annual parade is now scheduled to commence at the intersection of Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue, proceeding south on Elgin Street and then west on Gladstone Avenue before ending at the intersection with Bank Street.
Several Ottawa organizations, including hospitals, universities and school boards, have withdrawn from events organized by Capital Pride, many referring concerns about safety and inclusion, since an Aug. 6 statement by Capital Pride on the Israel-Hamas war.
Thursday’s notice from Capital Pride said more than 100 groups and more than 5,000 marchers, in addition to a grand marshal and “Honoured Group,” were still expected to participate in the parade.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Pride Parade,” the statement added.
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