In 1998, a group of people representing a number of substance abuse treatment facilities in the GTA came together to plan for a modest space to be available for people in recovery on Pride Sunday. Called the “Free Zone”, it was envisioned as a “Drug and Alcohol Free Oasis”. Located in the Paul Kane Parkette, Free Zone has grown to include a musical stage and a tent that offers self-help meetings throughout the day for people who need a little extra support. The Free Zone has always featured an Information Table and Sobriety Patrol who move through the space and ensure there are no visible signs of intoxication or “use” making the Free Zone a safer place for those in recovery to enjoy their Pride.

 

In 2006, at the request of the treatment facilities that had produced Free Zone for over seven years, the Free Zone planning committee came under the official banner of Pride Toronto, funded directly by Pride Toronto and run by Pride Toronto volunteers. Prior to this, volunteer members of each agency raised the funds required and coordinated all the planning needed to host the Free Zone Area. Under the Pride Toronto umbrella, many of these treatment facilities continue to work with Free Zone in the capacity of community partners including our long time sponsor, CAMH (Center for Addiction and Mental Health). Many of the individual workers from these treatment facilities now also serve as official Pride Toronto volunteers on this planning committee, along with volunteers recruited from other areas.