'Absolutely phenomenal': Premier Doug Ford parades with thousands in York Pride

Mayor John Taylor wants Newmarket to be known as the most inclusive community in Ontario

Yorkregion.com
June 20, 2022
Yoyo Yan

Premier Doug Ford joined thousands jubilating at the first post-pandemic York Pride festivities to celebrate love and inclusion.

Crowds of over 10,000 people waved rainbow flags cheering as the York Pride parade made its way down Main Street in Newmarket June 18.

Ford's participation with local MPPs was unannounced, repeating his surprise visit at the last York Pride parade in 2019.

"I had a blast seeing everyone again in person," Ford tweeted.

Colourful floats from York Regional Police, York Region Transit, fire departments, municipalities and community groups marched in the much-anticipated parade.

"There's a bursting of support that is about to happen," said Tristan Coolman, president of PFLAG York Region. "It's just absolutely phenomenal. I can't overstate just how amazing it feels to be here."

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, together with other members of council, paraded on a bike decorated with rainbows.

"The pride might be my favourite time of the year in Newmarket, it represents everything I want a community to be," Taylor told yorkregion.com.

The mayor wants Newmarket to be known as the most inclusive community in Ontario.