Vancouver Pride Festival Grant
Motion 9 · Standing Committee of Council on Policy and Strategic Priorities, June 3, 2026
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Transcript
30 segments
Thank you very much, Chair, and I'm bringing forward this motion to provide a one-time grant. of 75,000 to the Vancouver Pride Society to help address extraordinary financial pressures associated with delivering Pride events in 2026. Vancouver Pride is one of the largest and most important, among others, cultural events in our city. And I think as a council, we've been responsive in supporting all of those events that have come forward in a similar way. Pride itself brings together hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents, celebrates inclusion and diversity contribute significantly to Vancouver's social and economic vitality. And like many public events, Pride is facing rising costs related to safety, security, and event operations. And at the same time, organizers are navigating a more challenging sponsorship environment as major events, including FIFA World Cup, compete for space and corporate sponsorship dollars. So this year, Council has been asked to support a number of festivals, as I mentioned, and events facing similar financial pressures. Those requests highlight a broader reality that many of Vancouver's signature annual events are confronting increasing costs and growing uncertainty around sponsorship and revenue generation. So while this motion specifically focuses on the immediate needs of Vancouver Pride Society. It also recognizes the importance of protecting the long-term sustainability of major events that help define our city. And we've seen motions come forward from other colleagues around the table, Councillor Fry, I believe, and others to really put a more strategic lens on that. But for now, these celebrations bring communities together, support local businesses, attract visitors, and contribute to Vancouver's identity as a vibrant and welcoming place. So this is a motion that's not intended to create ongoing funding commitment, but rather provide that one-time targeted support to ensure that Pride can put on an excellent event. So with that, that's my two minutes. Thank you.
Thank you. And that was seconded. Thank you.
So thank you, Council. We are now going to move to our public speakers. Just a reminder to state whether you're in support or opposition of the motion. And if you're not noted as a resident, I will ask about that. Our first speaker on the public body representatives list is Stephen Menon from the 2SLGBTQ Plus Advisory Committee. Welcome. And you have three minutes to address counsel. Are you a representative? So you'll have an extra, you'll have five minutes.
Well, thank you very much, counsel.
You have three other people with you?
Just myself.
Nope. Okay, you have three minutes.
Well, thank you very much for allowing me to address council today. My name is Stephen Menon. I use he, him pronouns. I'm a resident of Vancouver and speaking in support of the motion. I joined council today as a member and on behalf of the city's 2SLGBTQ advisory committee. The board of Vancouver Pride met with our advisory committee in our last standing meeting to express challenges they are currently facing, in particular financial challenges. be able to maintain the current scope of Pride and with current financial pressures even facing reduction in scope of what is currently planned. The amount currently needed for the organization is stated at $75,000. A quote from a fellow committee member, my reading of this motion and the recommendations contained therein is that VPS special funding should be approved. Through my 15 years working in queer communities, including being a current member of the community board, Pride and queer nonprofit organizations across Canada are facing similar experiences and challenges. Global companies that have offices based in Canada are reducing their funding for DEI efforts across the board. In addition to that, Canadian companies are reducing their funding to areas and places where their brand or employee safety may be at risk.
Vancouver Pride generates over $30 million in economic impact for the city. Toronto Pride generates over $300 million in economic impact to the city of Toronto. And prides across the country generate over a billion dollars in economic impact to the city. Beyond the money that Vancouver Pride provides to the city, it also is a marquee event to really showcase our inclusion as a city. Personally, I've had the opportunity of organizing, marching, walking, speaking, and dancing in over 10 prides across Canada, from Vancouver, Toronto, to Ottawa.
My computer has slowed down, and it had the message. Let me mute.
Yeah. I've experienced pride from leading a bank's first donation to Pride Ottawa. I have walked with TD in Toronto Pride Parade and Vancouver Pride Parade. I have experienced World Pride Transform Toronto Pride, and I've also, when I first moved to Vancouver 10 years ago, organized the first human rights event, the Canadian International Council, for three years in Pride. So with that experience in mind, my call to action to the city of Vancouver and to Pride is that Pride should be a time of remembrance and mourning, a time for learning and relearning, a time for solidarity and bridge building, a time for dialogue, debate, and protest, a time to celebrate and find moments of joy. Pride in 2027 should be a statement to the world about what Vancouver represents. Thank you very much, and happy Pride Month.
Thank you very much for those remarks, and yes, happy Pride Month. Our next speaker is John Boychuk, Board Co-Chair, Vancouver Pride Society. And I understand, John, sorry, I made a mistake earlier. You were the representative speaker, joined by Sean Ewing, Joseph Huang, and Chris Boyd. That's correct. Okay, fantastic. In that case, you have five minutes to address counsel. And I'll just confirm that Sean, Joseph, and Chris, that you're on the line.
I'm just going to make sure.
They're not. No. Okay. So just with our procedure bylaw, you have three minutes. Understood. Okay. Go ahead.
All right, well, thank you very much to Council for bringing this forward and considering for Vancouver Pride. It's...
It's been stated quite well by Stephen here that we are facing challenges. And I, as a resident of Vancouver, as a volunteer here in Vancouver with an organization that's been around for 48 years, we didn't realize or did we realize that pride is still sitting on the edge. That edge means that there are no guarantees. It's not a sure thing. When we lose funding from our sponsors because of clawbacks, those clawbacks represent a shove back in the closet idea. And that shove back in the closet is not what we're all about. We want to be out loud and proud. Hence this year's theme. being unapologetically queer. What does that mean? That means coming out and really celebrating who you are, not having to apologize for who you are. But guess what happens when funds get cut? We don't get that sponsorship. When we don't get it, it means fewer programs, less likelihood of individuals being able to participate in large-scale events, and those large-scale events are free for the public to be able to attend. So it's so important that that funding that is going to be considered It's going to help out with things like the volunteers, with safety and security, with being able to ensure that we have an office that's able to be around to provide outreach and a source of safety, a hub for safety for individuals, that we're able to continue to do that. And it's so disheartening that we have to actually almost come with our hand out. at a time when people are stepping up and saying, how can we help out? It's not happening. Changes around the world, changes within our own backyards are holding us back, and we want to ensure that every person has the opportunity to be themselves, to be able to celebrate. When we have 250,000 to 300,000 individuals take part in Pride celebrations during Pride Month here in Vancouver, it's because of the hard work done by volunteers and by a handful of staff members. As it was stated, the economic impact of $30 million, estimated just last year, $30 million. That benefits every small business, every mom-and-pop operation, even the large corporate stores, and then those who do support us. they see a bump in what they're receiving back because the community recognizes its partners and the community supports its partners. So in so saying that, this city as a partner will have an excellent opportunity to show Vancouver that you're in it for the long haul to overcome whatever challenges that there may be. Thank you.
Thank you, John. Right on time. Thank you. Angela Dawson, speaker number two.
Welcome back. It's not a time to go backwards, okay? We're not all fit in a closet. A woman says, if you want to be a woman, open up that door in your mind and explore opportunities. So I did that. I did that since I was a child. My father wanted me to be someone else. I wasn't, was. Now I am who I am. I'm proud to play on my rollerblades. I'm proud to go into the march myself. Okay? I don't have to sign up.
I don't have to sign up. Sign up for what? To be yourself? You shouldn't have to do that. You know? So please support us as a community instead of going backwards. Let's go forward. Okay? Fuck what Trump says. Okay? It takes one person to rule the whole world? Now come on. You gotta be a stupid politician to believe that. Okay, I've been running for mayor since 2018. I won't stop until I get my chair. Okay, we got to have a breakthrough instead of going backwards. Some communities, we're 20, 30 years behind schedule. You know, like pride, I'm proud to be waking up and not putting on my skates or putting on my lipstick or putting my dress on. You know, be proud of yourself. So please, City Council, pass this motion because we need this motion. We need the funds. We need to support Roller Girl. We need to support our fellow mates here. Okay? To be proud and stand up and be proud to be City Council. Thank you. Because, you know, I would love to be in your seat and pass all these motions that should be passed instead of stepped on and pushed in the closet. Thank you. That's my two minutes.
Thank you. Thank you, Angela. I appreciate the passion. That brings us to the end of our speakers. We'll now move into debate and decision on this motion. Please put yourselves on the queue.
Seeing no one on the queue.
Sorry, Chair. I'm just trying to get on the queue here.
Okay. Yes, go ahead, Councillor Bligh. Go ahead to close on your motion.
Thanks very much. Yeah, and I also just wanted to highlight You know, we are in an interesting time and we have received a number of requests for support. And so before I get to actually commenting on this motion, I want to highlight that another incredible event that we have in our city is Latin Cooper is Carnival de Sol. We have received an email. in advocacy through that organization, Paola, through Latin Cougar about similar. funding shortfall. And we knew that we would probably find ourselves in this situation, I would say, you know, early on in the year when a number of festivals and organizations were coming for support. And this is the last meeting we have before the middle of July, July 15th. And I wondered if, and I chatted with some folks around about the support. And I think the support is, you know, in terms of just one-on-one conversations could be there. So I'd like to propose a motion, an amendment to this motion, which is germane to the motion itself in the sense that it's supporting festivals. And so I have an amendment, if you wouldn't mind moving us to an amendment queue.
I will do that. So moving to amendment queue, Councillor Bligh. I'll put you on there. And you'll circulate that motion or that amendment, sorry, so we can see it.
Yes, it has been circulated. It should just be coming in right now.
So I appreciate there's been a real collaborative effort across party lines, I'd say, to focus on some of these issues and many, you know, a number of different motions, as I pointed out, to support Latin Cougar Cultural and Business Society offers a tremendous Offering in the summer a number of different events. They have let us know that their $60,000 as a funding shortfall would make a significant difference to them being able to deliver Carnival de Sol, which is actually July 10th. And many of the vendors are asking for upfront payments. They're... the sort of demand of that dynamic is increasing. And I think, I mean, I can feel the pressure through conversations with Alain Couvreur and also the executive director that certainty upfront changes the conversations entirely. You know, since we have all been supporting these motions up until now, and it's another significant event, I wonder if Council would entertain offering this clarity to Latin Cougar now so that they can, like others, like Vancouver Pride Society and other events, have some certainty ahead of their event, which, as I say, is July 10th, and we don't meet again until July 15th, and give them some certainty of this funding. So I'll leave that there for Council's consideration.
Thank you, Councillor Bligh. Before I get a seconder, I'm going to move a 10-minute recess so I can consult with the clerks as to whether this would be in order in the context of the motion, the main motion that was moved by yourself. So, Council will take a 10-minute recess.
I'll attend after two, and I'll consult with the clerks. Thank you.
I plus advisory committee and on the board of community and it just really speaks to the strong network of Vancouverites that care deeply about our city that care deeply about. creating safe and inclusive spaces in our city and opportunities for the entire city to come together, visitors, residents, and share in what is always such a fun and joyous celebration. So again, just thanking them for their leadership and all speakers that spoke to this motion passionately from a place of lived experience. I just appreciate Council's consideration of this motion and hope that we will be able to support this today and move this forward for the benefit of the Pride Festival that happens on BC Day Long Weekend.
Yeah, very simply. I was just going to say happy Pride, everybody.
Thank you. Seeing no one else on the queue, I'll take us to a vote. For those of you joining us online, please have your videos enabled. I'll take a vote of system favor, please.
Mr. Chair, can I please get a vote of system favor as well?
Thank you. And thank you, Council. That passes unanimously. Yes, happy Pride, everybody.
Statement Watch
Well, thank you very much for allowing me to address council today. My name is Stephen Menon. I use he, him pronouns. I'm a resident of Vancouver and speaking in support of the motion. I joined council today as a member and on behalf of the city's 2SLGBTQ advisory committee. The board of Vancouver Pride met with our advisory committee in our last standing meeting to express challenges they are currently facing, in particular financial challenges. be able to maintain the current scope of Pride and with current financial pressures even facing reduction in scope of what is currently planned. The amount currently needed for the organization is stated at $75,000. A quote from a fellow committee member, my reading of this motion and the recommendations contained therein is that VPS special funding should be approved. Through my 15 years working in queer communities, including being a current member of the community board, Pride and queer nonprofit organizations across Canada are facing similar experiences and challenges. Global companies that have offices based in Canada are reducing their funding for DEI efforts across the board. In addition to that, Canadian companies are reducing their funding to areas and places where their brand or employee safety may be at risk. Vancouver Pride generates over $30 million in economic impact for the city. Toronto Pride generates over $300 million in economic impact to the city of Toronto. And prides across the country generate over a billion dollars in economic impact to the city. Beyond the money that Vancouver Pride provides to the city, it also is a marquee event to really showcase our inclusion as a city. Personally, I've had the opportunity of organizing, marching, walking, speaking, and dancing in over 10 prides across Canada, from Vancouver, Toronto, to Ottawa.
My computer has slowed down, and it had the message. Let me mute.
Yeah. I've experienced pride from leading a bank's first donation to Pride Ottawa. I have walked with TD in Toronto Pride Parade and Vancouver Pride Parade. I have experienced World Pride Transform Toronto Pride, and I've also, when I first moved to Vancouver 10 years ago, organized the first human rights event, the Canadian International Council, for three years in Pride. So with that experience in mind, my call to action to the city of Vancouver and to Pride is that Pride should be a time of remembrance and mourning, a time for learning and relearning, a time for solidarity and bridge building, a time for dialogue, debate, and protest, a time to celebrate and find moments of joy. Pride in 2027 should be a statement to the world about what Vancouver represents. Thank you very much, and happy Pride Month.
Statement Watch
All right, well, thank you very much to Council for bringing this forward and considering for Vancouver Pride. It's... It's been stated quite well by Stephen here that we are facing challenges. And I, as a resident of Vancouver, as a volunteer here in Vancouver with an organization that's been around for 48 years, we didn't realize or did we realize that pride is still sitting on the edge. That edge means that there are no guarantees. It's not a sure thing. When we lose funding from our sponsors because of clawbacks, those clawbacks represent a shove back in the closet idea. And that shove back in the closet is not what we're all about. We want to be out loud and proud. Hence this year's theme. being unapologetically queer. What does that mean? That means coming out and really celebrating who you are, not having to apologize for who you are. But guess what happens when funds get cut? We don't get that sponsorship. When we don't get it, it means fewer programs, less likelihood of individuals being able to participate in large-scale events, and those large-scale events are free for the public to be able to attend. So it's so important that that funding that is going to be considered It's going to help out with things like the volunteers, with safety and security, with being able to ensure that we have an office that's able to be around to provide outreach and a source of safety, a hub for safety for individuals, that we're able to continue to do that. And it's so disheartening that we have to actually almost come with our hand out. at a time when people are stepping up and saying, how can we help out? It's not happening. Changes around the world, changes within our own backyards are holding us back, and we want to ensure that every person has the opportunity to be themselves, to be able to celebrate. When we have 250,000 to 300,000 individuals take part in Pride celebrations during Pride Month here in Vancouver, it's because of the hard work done by volunteers and by a handful of staff members. As it was stated, the economic impact of $30 million, estimated just last year, $30 million. That benefits every small business, every mom-and-pop operation, even the large corporate stores, and then those who do support us. they see a bump in what they're receiving back because the community recognizes its partners and the community supports its partners. So in so saying that, this city as a partner will have an excellent opportunity to show Vancouver that you're in it for the long haul to overcome whatever challenges that there may be. Thank you.
Statement Watch
Welcome back. It's not a time to go backwards, okay? We're not all fit in a closet. A woman says, if you want to be a woman, open up that door in your mind and explore opportunities. So I did that. I did that since I was a child. My father wanted me to be someone else. I wasn't, was. Now I am who I am. I'm proud to play on my rollerblades. I'm proud to go into the march myself. Okay? I don't have to sign up. I don't have to sign up. Sign up for what? To be yourself? You shouldn't have to do that. You know? So please support us as a community instead of going backwards. Let's go forward. Okay? Fuck what Trump says. Okay? It takes one person to rule the whole world? Now come on. You gotta be a stupid politician to believe that. Okay, I've been running for mayor since 2018. I won't stop until I get my chair. Okay, we got to have a breakthrough instead of going backwards. Some communities, we're 20, 30 years behind schedule. You know, like pride, I'm proud to be waking up and not putting on my skates or putting on my lipstick or putting my dress on. You know, be proud of yourself. So please, City Council, pass this motion because we need this motion. We need the funds. We need to support Roller Girl. We need to support our fellow mates here. Okay? To be proud and stand up and be proud to be City Council. Thank you. Because, you know, I would love to be in your seat and pass all these motions that should be passed instead of stepped on and pushed in the closet. Thank you. That's my two minutes.