Capital Pride still expecting thousands for annual parade despite controversy

Final preparations are underway for this year's Capital Pride parade which will look different than in years past. The parade route will be shorter because of fewer police resources, organizers say.

Final preparations are underway for this year's Capital Pride parade which will look different than in years past.

"There will be a little bit of a felt difference in the size certainly, but we're still welcoming thousands of people to the street, just as we always do," said Callie Metler, Capital Pride's executive director. "Preparations are going to exactly the same scale and we're just so looking forward to Sunday kicking off at 1 p.m."

The City of Ottawa, the mayor, local hospitals and Ottawa's largest school board are among several groups no longer marching in the parade. It comes after Capital Pride released a statement earlier this month in solidarity with Palestinians.

Metler says no sponsors have pulled their funding for the event.

"No, our sponsors are just as committed as they always have been to making sure this festival comes off without a hitch," Metler said.

Algonquin College is the most recent organization to withdraw from the parade.

"We are concerned that the inclusion, safety and wellbeing of individuals cannot be assured. In this atmosphere, the College cannot attend this year's Capital Pride parade and will not be participating in an official capacity," it wrote in a statement.