Fraser Valley PRIDE event relocating to Mission after challenges with City of Abbotsford
Posted June 8, 2022 8:36 pm.
Last Updated June 9, 2022 5:17 am.
A lack of willingness from the City of Abbotsford to cultivate a safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has forced the Fraser Valley Youth Society to host the annual PRIDE event outside the city, say organizers.
With less than a month’s notice, the Board of Directors at the Fraser Valley Youth Society said it was “saddened by the last-minute changes brought forward by the city and the lack of concern shown for the need for a safe space to hold our event.”
“After holding this very important event in Abbotsford for the last 9 years, the event planning committee was met with numerous last-minute challenges with city staff that were not able to be resolved,” a release reads.
In early May, the group learned the venue was no longer available.
“The city chose to break the contract with FVYS after booking. confirming, receiving and cashing the cheque.” president Lisa Doerksen added.
View this post on Instagram
For five years, the PRIDE event was hosted at the Jubilee Park and FVYS says it worked with the community to create a safe and welcoming place.
Despite attempts to find a solution with City staff, the FVYS says there was no workable solution made.
“Alternative site locations that were offered were not suitable or safe for the event and concerns expressed by organizers were not heard,” the statement continues.
In a statement to CityNews, the City of Abbotsford said it is “saddened” the group chose to move the event to another community.
“Unfortunately, this year their event has outgrown Jubilee Park’s capacity and safety requirements for an event of their indicated size,” the statement reads. “While Mill Lake Park and Civic Plaza were both offered to the FVYS as alternative locations for this year’s celebrations, the City of Abbotsford respects their decision to choose an alternate location to best meet their needs.”
This year’s 10th annual PRIDE celebration will instead be hosted at Mission’s Heritage Park on July 16.
“FVYS understands this change has come as a surprise to everyone and may present further challenges to participants, vendors and entertainers’ ability to attend. The event organizers are doing everything they can to address these needs so that we can offer an event that is inclusive and accessible to all those in our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
