Frequently Asked Questions
Changes to the 2023 Vancouver Pride Festival and Parade
Why is Pride changing the Parade route?
The new route is flatter, with fewer hills, more shade and wider sidewalks, allowing for the possibility of including more accessible viewing zones for disabled communities. The route is also closer to the Yaletown-Roundhouse Skytrain, making the route easily accessible by transit.
This decision came in tandem with moving the festival site, to end the parade at Concord Pacific Place.
Additionally, the changes are part of an effort to reconcile with the community, repair damaged relationships, and allow more people to participate in the festivities. A full accessibility map will be available closer to the date, and at least three viewing zones will be available on the Parade route.
Why is Pride moving the Vancouver Pride Festival location?
The Pride Festival location is being moved due to accessibility concerns and to expand the capacity of our event in preparation for Canada Pride 2024.
After collaborating with Live Educate Transform Society on an accessibility audit, we came to the conclusion that moving the festival site to Concord Pacific Place would make the event more welcoming to folks with accessibility needs. The new location is more central, near two skytrain stations, and has a flat and concrete layout that accommodates mobility devices.
Additionally, the larger space allows us to cater to a wider community, including families and individuals with lower sensory needs. The larger site capacity also allows for more infrastructure, and an opportunity for the Pride community to strengthen relationships with the community.
Thank you for wanting to learn more about our Festival and Parade. Please send your feedback, inquiries, and any questions you have to:
feedback@vancouverpride.ca
Parade Route Questions
The Vancouver Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
As per the policy developed in 2018, the police will not march in the Parade. However, they will be present along the parade route, employed by the City. Pride staff, contractors, and volunteers will be stationed around the same locations as primary support to ensure the safety of parade participants.
Will there be police in the parade?
Why is Vancouver Pride limiting the number of floats and trailers allowed in the Parade this year?
Vancouver Pride is limiting the number of floats and trailers in the parade due to safety concerns related to the new infrastructure, such as patios, meridians, and bicycle lanes. The plan is to lower the number of heavy vehicles participating in the parade and work towards a greener event. The goal is to be emission-free for Canada Pride by 2024.
How is this going to affect the businesses along the parade route?
Businesses along the Parade route will remain open. VPS will provide a list of businesses that will not be open that day.
Is the city of Vancouver making Pride move?
No, the City of Vancouver is not making Pride move. The decision to move was based on accessibility and capacity.
What are you doing to support the businesses that will lose foot traffic due to the change?
Vancouver Pride will work closely with the Robson Street and West End business associations to ensure that businesses in the area are still included in the Pride festivities. Additionally, we will have activations in the West End, including the Bute St. Lounge which will drive traffic to the area.
Part of Denman Street, part of Davie Street, Beach Avenue from Denman to Jervis and Pacific Avenue from Jervis to Carral St. will be closed.
What streets will be closed?
If there are encampments along the Parade route prior to the event, what is VPS’ plan?
Vancouver Pride will ensure that individuals who live in encampments are kept safe and informed of the upcoming parade. Vouchers to Tim Hortons and signs that state "This is my home, here are my rights" will be provided. Additionally, the organization will reach out to housing providers in the West End for assistance.
How will transit be disrupted during parade day?
Skytrain service will not be affected. Some bus routes will be impacted, and a list of bus route changes will be released by VPS and Translink closer to the event date. There will be drop-off zones for carshare riders near the festival site, and we are working to ensure Evo parking zones will also be available. Bike lanes along the parade route will be closed and will reopen along with the streets that are closed on parade day.
What consultations have you done with the community?
Vancouver Pride has consulted and will continue to consult with community partners, 2SLBTQIA+ serving organizations, and other stakeholders. We have received input from these consultations about the new changes and have taken them into account for our planning. We will be seeking feedback during and after the Pride season for things that can be improved in 2024.
How early are streets closing and when will they be opened up?
The earliest roads will be closing at 5:00 AM. Streets will be closed on a rolling basis starting in the staging area which includes fencing to minimize impact to the residents and businesses. Streets will all be reopened by 4:00 PM or earlier. A full street closure plan will be available closer to the event date.
How is this going to affect residents along the parade route?
Residents South of Pacific Blv. will have reduced access while travelling across Pacific Blvd. Access will be extremely limited and will only be granted from Thurlow Street, Homer Street, and Drake Street.
We won't leave the Davie Village! The Parade will still start in the West End on Davie and Denman. Additionally, we will be activating at Jim Deva Plaza with our Bute St. Lounge. This will include extensive programming aiming to bring folks together at this beloved queer location in Vancouver.
Why are you leaving Davie Village?
How much longer is the new route?
The old Parade route was about 2.7km. The new Parade route is 3.1km.
Are political parties allowed to march in the Pride Parade this year?
Yes, as long as the political groups pass the Parade Matrix, they will be allowed to participate. As per our statement on Political Parties we released last year, Political groups will march together in one contingent.
Festival Site Questions
Will Pride still be offering a shuttle to the festival site?
One of the main reasons for the change to Concord Pacific Place is the proximity to a wider range of transit options. In the past, shuttles were used to facilitate folks arriving at Sunset Beach Park, which is not near any major transit lines. For this reason, shuttles will no longer be running from Waterfront Station.
Accessibility information will be posted at vancouverpride.ca/accessibility. This webpage will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. VPS is working with Live Educate Transform Society to create an accessibility plan for the Festival site.
Where can I find accessibility information for the new site?
What time does the festival start and end?
The Festival will be running from 12:00 pm-8:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 pm-7:00 pm on Sunday.
How has Pride included the Host Nations in the planning process of the festival?
The Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations were the first groups to be contacted about the move and to give input about the festival changes. VPS will continue to collaborate with these groups during the planning process.
How will the Festival affect the residents of the area?
The Festival will be running from 12:00 pm-8:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 pm-7:00 pm on Sunday and VPS is working with residents to ensure their access needs are met. VPS wants to be welcomed back and is undergoing continuous consultation with residents and businesses in the area.
The main stage and Vendor Village areas of the festival will be licensed, all ages. However, the community zone (open Sunday only) will not be licensed and will include a Sober Zone.
Will the festival be licensed?
Can I bring my family?
Yes, the entire event is all-ages.
There will be a paid ticketed event on Saturday, August 5th from 6 pm onwards, but the remaining hours of the festival will be free for all to attend.
Is the festival a ticketed event?
Will the bike lanes be closed for the festival?
Bicycle lanes will not be completely closed down during the event. However, there will be a portion of the lane where we ask folks to walk their bikes due to heavy pedestrian traffic. There will also be a bicycle valet available so folks can stop and enjoy the festival.
How is the festival accessible by transit?
The festival is situated between two SkyTrain stations, a 6-minute walk from Stadium-Chinatown station, and a 5-minute walk from Main Street/Science World Station.
To combat the heat, there will be water stations, shaded areas along the parade route and festival site, and misters available.
What about the heat?
What are Pride's sustainability/green strategies at the new festival site and parade?
There will be waste bins, recycling stations, and a green team. We are also limiting the use of single-use plastics (balloons, confetti) and offering incentives and discounts for using low-emission and green vehicles for parade entries.
Will Security and Medical teams be trained in Harm Reduction and Anti-Oppression and 2SLGBTQAI+ Inclusion before the Festival site?
Yes, VPS will be hosting a training session for these major suppliers before the event date.
There are three accessibility zones along the parade route; one of which is mask-mandatory, along with four zones at our festival site, three of which will also be mask mandatory. (N95 masks are recommended as they offer the best protection). These zones are shaded areas with seating that provide ideal views of programming. Attendees are encouraged to make space in our accessibility zones for the people who share the same access needs.
Attendees are only required to wear masks at accessibility zones. We recommend that guests wear N95 masks for the rest of our site, however, we do not require it.
Is the Festival Mask Mandatory?
What will the Police presence be at the Festival site?
VPS is hiring a private security company to be on the Festival site.