SYDNEY, N.S. — Nancy Penney-Rose is very happy Pride Cape Breton is taking steps to make their parade more accessible to everyone.
The Reserve Mines resident’s 18-year-old boy is autistic and Penney-Rose said knowing there’s now an Autism Safe Zone along the Pride parade route gives her a sense of relief.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. A lot of times crowds can be overwhelming and having an area to go, knowing it’s a “safe zone” relieves a lot of stress,” she said.
“(My boy) absolutely loves parades, but we always need to look for an area where not too many (people) are gathered. Having this option (is good). And I already know (about it) ahead of time so there’s no need to plan and hope for the best.”
Along with the sensory dimmed area, Pride Cape Breton is adding an accessibility area for those with mobility issues or those, like seniors, who can’t stand for long periods of time. Tents and chairs are being donated by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for this space and water is being provided by Pride Cape Breton.
“The streets do get crowded and sometimes people in wheelchairs or people who can’t stand for long periods of time get pushed to the back,” said Pride communications director B.J. Singleton.
“Eventually we’d like to have a raised platform stage for people (to use in this area) … This is the first year we’re doing this and hope to expand on it. We want to make sure everyone has as clear of a view as possible during the parade, so they can watch it and wave to people.”
19th Annual Pride Cape Breton Parade
- When: August 3
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Route starts: George and Dorchester
- Follows: Dorchester – Esplanade – Townsend – George – Ferry Streets
- Ends at: Open Hearth Park
- Followed by: Pride Party in the Park
- Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Featuring: Drag Queen/King performances, music by DJ Queen, dunk tank
The Sydney Credit Union, a presenting sponsor for this year’s Pride events, has offered up their building and parking lot for the spaces. Inside is the Autism Safe Zone, which will have dimmed lights, limited noise and curtains opened slightly so people can catch the action in a way that suits them best.
“Along with being a long-time sponsor of Pride Cape Breton, we’ve also supported the Autism Society (of Cape Breton) for a number of years and we see the value of inclusivity for everyone,” said credit union spokesperson Jennifer Griffin.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a fully accessible branch and this helps us continue to be that.”
Singleton said the idea to add the accessible and sensory limited areas came after he attended a conference in Halifax last fall.
Hosted by the Halifax Pride committee, members of Pride committees across the Atlantic Provinces attended to discuss their festivals and ways to improve. During these talks, accessible areas came up and Singleton said that’s when he realized Pride Cape Breton should have one.
“It’s something that if it doesn’t really affect you, you don’t think about it, as sad as that is,” he said during a phone interview.
“When they (talked about accessible areas), it clicked for me. I thought, oh my God, we should be doing that here … It takes a little bit of perspective for someone to switch the flip to realize we need this. It didn’t take a lot of time, money or stress for us to offer this.”
The Pride Cape Breton parade happens on Aug. 3 and starts at 12 p.m. Starting at the George and Dorchester intersection, the parade will go down these streets, in this order: Dorchester, Esplanade, Townsend, George, Ferry.
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