The City of North Vancouver invites the community to come together in unity to celebrate Pride Week with a variety of events.
Mayor Linda Buchanan kicked off this year's celebrations by proclaiming July 21 to August 1 as Pride Week in the City, which includes raising the Pride Flag, Transgender Flag and Bisexual Flag in Civic Plaza this morning and lighting up City Hall in the colours of the LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Flag all week long.
“We all want to belong and feel included in our community,” said Mayor Linda Buchanan. “Over the past year we have seen the rights of LGBTQAI2S+ people attacked, questioned, and clawed back. It has been a scary and uncertain time for many. That’s why the City is proud to support Pride Week. Pride is a celebration and protest. We are animating public spaces and supporting events across the community because we are a city for all people.”
Residents are invited to celebrate Pride Week in recognition of the valuable contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ communities to the City of North Vancouver. The following free events are taking place for all ages.
Pride at The Pier – Friday, July 29 from 5-10 pm – Shipbuilder’s Square
The North Shore Pride Alliance (NSPA) celebrates Unity-Pride 2022 – a free, all-ages 2SLGBTQIA+ family event hosted by the Unstoppable Conni Smudge. Come dance along the water to local queer talent, DJ's and be dazzled by drag performances. There will also be a photobooth set up in the Pipe Shop for people to take pictures with one of the performers and share on social media using the hashtag #togetherinpride.
NSPA’s Deckchair Cinema screening of ‘Hairspray’ – Thursday, July 28, 7-11 pm at the Polygon Gallery (101 Carrie Cates Court). North Vancouver City Library’s book bike, Spokes ‘n‘ Words will also be on site.
Pride-Themed Storytime – July 29 online via City Library’s YouTube channel - Local drag legend Conni Smudge will feature a Pride-themed story and craft. The library also has a Pride-themed book list for all ages. Conni Smudge will also be at the library on Saturday August 27 at 10:30am to read pride-positive stories. For more information about the library’s Pride programming and events, visit nvcl.ca/pride.
Pride Sculpture at the Shipyards – watch artist Craig Mutch create an 8-foot-tall Pride-inspired sand sculpture from July 27 to 29.
Pride Art Show – Saturday, July 30, 11am-8pm – Art work from local 2SLGBTQ+ artists will be on display at the Lonsdale Quay Gallery.
The City’s place making program PLAY and NSPA have also set up the following Pride themed activations for the community to enjoy until the end of August
- Living Lane will be decorated with a disco ball and Pride themed chalk art.
- Pride Parklet and the decked area at 1400 East Lonsdale will be decorated to include new plants, books and chalk art.
- NVCL Book Bike Pride Pop Up will be at the 17th West block of Lonsdale Ave Shipping Container Parklet on July 25 from 1-4 pm.
For more information, visit cnv.org/play.