The Montreal Pride parade, which was to take place downtown on Sunday, has been canceled for security reasons.
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The decision was made with the SPVM on Sunday morning.
“Montreal Pride festival officials regret to announce that the iconic Pride Parade will not take place today for security reasons. A lack of manpower to ensure safety along the route is the source of this decision taken in agreement with the SPVM early this morning”, can we read in the press release from the organization.
TVA Nouvelles has also learned that it lacked about 80 volunteers and employees on Sunday morning.
“We were convinced that we were able to deliver, but we ran out of resources this morning. This means that we are not able to ensure the delivery and logistics of the parade. We are extremely disappointed,” said Simon Gamache, director of Pride Montreal, in an interview with Salut Bonjour.
The mayoress of Montreal, Valérie Plante, reacted to the cancellation of the parade, during her press briefing on Sunday.
“For us, at the City of Montreal, if we had been aware that there was a lack of manpower, we would have put in the necessary energy, that is my frustration this morning,” said Ms. Plante.
Several people have shown their disappointment with the organization’s decision.
“We were preparing to put up the decorations, so it’s sad,” thinks a man.
“I find it a pity. It was my second time and then I miss my second opportunity to show my pride,” said another person.
Even if the parade has been cancelled, the other festivities planned for the Esplanade of the Olympic Park are still taking place, starting at 2 p.m.
At 1 p.m., people will demonstrate on Sainte-Catherine Street to the Village, TVA Nouvelles has learned.
“We will work in the next few weeks to organize something to replace. It’s still too early to make a promise, but we want to do something. But, please, don’t come downtown,” Gamache said.
About 100,000 people were expected, including 12,000 participants. Politicians were to be present during this event such as Prime Minister François Legault.