Burnaby’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is set to have its first-ever pride celebration in the city.
Burnaby Neighbourhood House plans to host Burnaby Pride on the block of Jubilee Avenue between Imperial Street and Nelson Avenue on Aug. 11 from noon to 4 p.m.
On Monday, city council will consider a request to have the road shut down for the festival.
While many surrounding municipalities, including New Westminster and Vancouver, have hosted annual LGBT Pride events for years, Burnaby has lagged behind.
“There just hasn't been a group that has stepped forward to say 'We wanted to do something in celebration of gay pride,’” Mayor Derek Corrigan said. “But this year there has been, which is very welcome. We were happy that someone has taken the initiative.”
Corrigan said he plans to attend the event, if his schedule permits.
The event will include a barbecue by Burnaby firefighters, interactive booths from local organizations, music, face painting, games, crafts and more, according to a city report.
Local businesses are supportive of the event, the report says.
