The 7th edition of North Bay Pride will be supported by the Government of Canada, with $52,300 in funding through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage fund. This will assist with the operation costs for this year’s festival which takes place from August 31st through September 18th.
The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming says, “I am proud to see support for the local North Bay Pride festival. These festivals bring people together to celebrate our local arts and culture and heritage and it is important to continue to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community here in Nipissing-Timiskaming, and I’m looking forward to seeing everything happening at this year’s event.”
The festival programming includes musical and drag performances, Indigenous drumming and dance performers, a DJ dance party, Comedy Night and a theatrical production, along with heritage performances and storytelling from members of the Nipissing First Nation. These activities will promote the work of 48 local artists and heritage performers.
In terms of community engagement, the organization is counting on the participation of 61 volunteers to carry out a full suite of event planning, delivery, and technical production tasks. The organization anticipates an audience of 52,000 people for a hybrid on‑line and in person planned event.
Communications Director for North Bay Pride Jason Maclennan says, “These types of grants help keep us visible in our community and reminds people within our own community, that they are seen while they see people just like them in all communities. It also helps us combat the rise of hate toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community, which has been on the rise over the last three years. Pride Festivals across Canada have a direct economic impact on our communities as well, with North Bay Pride contributing $4 million in economic spinoff in 2022. We will be seen, and we will be heard. Love is love. #hatehasnohomehere."
Rota says, “From coast to coast to coast, Canadians gather at Pride events throughout the summer to celebrate and share the values of strength and solidarity. These celebrations are a time to remind us of the resiliency, spirit, and presence of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities across Canada and right here in Nipissing-Timiskaming. These investments bring communities together, making them better places to live.”
