Disappointment, frustration, anger: The last-minute cancellation of the Pride parade in Montreal is a real “failure” for tourists and participants, but also for businesses that have been waiting for the event for more than two years.
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“It is unacceptable that thousands, millions of dollars in economic setbacks have been canceled for the village because of an administrative problem and missing 80 people! Those responsible must be held accountable,” says Pierluc DuPont, owner of Resto du Village.
Like many neighborhood traders and participants, Mr. DuPont was dismayed when he learned from the media that Sunday’s Pride parade had been canceled hours before departure due to poor organization.
“Until [dimanche]The Montreal Pride organization ordered me lunches for staff and volunteers, which I quickly picked up. [dimanche] morning ! “I don’t understand why this was not known to them earlier,” he laments.
For nearby businesses, Pride weekend is the busiest of the year.
“Our members were very interested and ready. Everyone was disappointed and wanted to know in advance how to help Montreal Pride,” says Gabriel Rondi, general manager of the Village Business Development Corporation.
Fewer customers
For his part, Danny Jobin, co-owner of District Video Lounge and Tate Karaoke Bar, believes the cancellation will have a direct impact on customer numbers.
“Both of us were going to come, so both of us have decided not to come,” he regrets.
And it’s the same story for Pierluc Dupont, who is upset that the city of Montreal has moved the festivities to the Olympic Park this year.
“It’s already taking away a big source of income for us because it’s not next door, and people don’t need to go back to the village after the shows,” he explains.
For Michelle Dorion, legendary Montreal drag queen and co-owner of Le Cocktail Bar on St.-Catherine Street, the disappointment is overwhelming. This is the “why” of the festival! “, he believes.
Like him, Danny Jobin is worried about the future reputation of what is considered the biggest event in North America.
“What image are we going to send to those who come from afar? he asks himself.
“Really Angry”
For many participants, the meeting was disappointing.
“I’m really angry! I left at 6 in the morning. [dimanche] In the morning from Saint-Jérôme, I arrived by bus to participate in my first march,” said Andrew Purchase, 21, who met in Dorchester Square.
Victor Rodriguez, 52, agrees.
“Everybody, with Covid and everything, everybody wanted to enjoy and celebrate and we got there and found out it was cancelled. This lack of organization is really disappointing,” says the man who decided to walk on René-Lévesque Boulevard anyway.
