Pride organizers in Hamilton are saying that funding gaps are making it tough to manage this year’s events, as groups from all over Ontario ask for more backing in the form of a dedicated fund.
Kiel Hughes, director and chair of Pride Hamilton, was at Queen’s Park in Toronto on April 21, alongside other Pride event organizers from Ontario, seeking $1.5 million over three years for a total of $4.5 million as part of a new Pride Festival Support Fund, which CBC previously reported.
“It’s a little rough and very stressful trying to find appropriate funding to cover the costs of an event,” said Hughes.
The current funding issues are more urgent than ever and show a change in corporate support, with some sponsors cutting back even as attendance grows, according to Hughes.
“There have been some companies that have either ignored us, pulled out completely, reduced their support or offered ‘in kind’ instead. That’s still helpful … but it doesn’t change the fact that there are still costs associated with putting on an event.”
WATCH | Pride festivals across Ontario requesting more provincial funding:
Pride festivals across Ontario requesting additional funding from the province
Pride festivals throughout Ontario, including Pride Toronto, are urging the province for extra funds. Organizers state that local businesses will face challenges if they must cut back. CBC’s Michelle Song has more.
The situation in Hamilton mirrors concerns shared by larger Pride organizations like Pride Toronto, which warned that increasing costs and declining sponsorships could harm event programming.
“This is a very modest ask. It’s a smart ask and it’s an urgent ask,” Callie Metler, executive director of Capital Pride in Ottawa, told reporters during the gathering at Queen’s Park.
Organizers believe this requested funding could come through the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
CBC Hamilton reached out to the ministry this week for news on whether they’re considering creating a new support fund for Pride programs.
A spokesperson replied Friday with an email reiterating what they said last month.
Since 2018, the ministry has provided over $3.5 million directly to Pride organizations across Ontario according to the email.
“This is in addition to funding for advertising space and sponsorships. Both Toronto Pride and Capital Pride have received maximum available funding through Experience Ontario.”
The email also mentioned support via the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund along with grants from the Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ontario Creates.
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Kiel Hughes as Sasha Fienix during Hamilton Pride 2024 (Pride Hamilton)
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The theme selected honoring belonging describes feelings tied up around this year’s festivities planned across summertime (Pride Hamilton)
Kameleon observed further connections between successful engagements running various venues supporting communities where good relationships flourish ultimately benefiting those establishments economically long-term!</
In Toronto’s Gay Village alone certain businesses make upwards half yearly earnings relied upon happening along June months when pride celebrations unfold.
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When asked whether his budget would balance without government assistance , Hughes didn’t hold back saying bluntly :No! Very honestly , no. We’re now playing wait-and-see game deciding what happens next concerning government decisions made.”
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Security and accessibility are priorities for Pride Hamilton
The cost of security has increased since COVID-19 hit us hard according to Hughes; however ensuring safety for all attendees remains crucial. “We’ve seen a massive uprising in hate towards this community within the last decade-especially during and after the pandemic. And while hate has always existed; now people feel comfortable sharing their hate publicly without fear.” A report by Hamilton Police Service from 2024 shows that reported “hate/bias occurrences,” which includes crimes against 2SLGBTQ+ individuals among others rose by 35 percent from 2023. Hughes insists he won’t compromise on security measures. “Safety looks different for different people with various intersections; we want our plan tailored accordingly.” <p locayally Accessibility is another area needing provincial support according to Hughes who mentioned expenses like hiring ASL interpreters or renting bathrooms for thousands attending while keeping events free as priorities. “We aim not to pass any costs onto attendees through admissions,” he stated. “We’re trying our best to keep it free because.. we’re living through tough economic times right now. Low-income individuals, seniors on fixed incomes-these groups don’t have money lying around just waiting for pride celebrations so maintaining free access keeps it open.”Pride traffic boosts local talent and businesses
Pride Hamilton reports over 15,000 attendees at their events in 2025 enjoying performances from numerous singers DJs drag performers etc., hired by them. Hughes expresses concern about being able hire enough artists this year due budget constraints too tight planning ahead. “I don’t want reduce performer numbers; many rely on these gigs making ends meet-even if fewer artists may mean lowering fees paid out,” he added. Karma Kameleon-a drag performer based locally serving roles such co-host/programming coordinator-shared thoughts too: Kameleon explained how crucial summer is financially speaking concerning entertainment jobs since these gigs happen often big stages drawing high attendance resulting additional bookings too!Source link
