1. General
1.1. The “Participant” is referred to as the individual, organization, contingent or
company partaking in the Pride Toronto Parade. The Participant is responsible for all
associated individuals involved with their contingent in the Parade.
1.2. Each Participant must have a minimum of one (1) lead who will be responsible for
following and communicating all rules and regulations to the Participant’s
contingent and getting all relevant information to Pride Toronto as needed.
1.3. Pride Toronto’s Parade Terms and Conditions are applicable to all Participants
wishing to partake in Pride Toronto’s Parade.
1.4. The Pride Parade does not have unlimited spaces. Registration will close on May 8 or
once spaces are full.
1.5. Any violation of any of the Parade Terms and Conditions will affect the Participant’s
continued involvement with Pride Toronto.
1.6. The Parade Terms and Conditions are intended to provide clarity on the rights and
responsibilities of Pride Toronto and its Participants.
1.7. The Participant hereby declares policies upholding equal opportunity and
non-discrimination have been adopted, by which discrimination on the grounds of
Race, Ethnicity, Language, Colour, Creed, National Origin, Religious or Political
affiliation, Sex, Age, Personal or Family Relationships, Disabilities, HIV/AIDS, Income
Restrictions, Union Affiliation, Sexual Orientation, or Gender Identity/Expression is
prohibited by the organization/business or individual.
1.8. The Participant confirms that they are of the age of majority and have the authority
to assume full responsibility for the behaviour of all persons participating in the
contingent falling under this application. The Participant further agrees to comply
with and enforce all of Pride Toronto’s Parade Terms and Conditions and applicable
laws and regulations in connection with the event.
1.9. Pride Toronto expects (and the contractual terms explicitly state) that the Participant
and all their contingents agree to operate in a manner that is consistent with the
celebration of Pride Toronto in the communities by respecting the rights of all
members of the community to participate in the event; by not presenting images or
behaving in a manner that promotes or may promote degradation, stereotypes,
hatred, or violence toward any persons and groups; and by adopting and adhering to
appropriate non-discrimination and equal opportunity policies as a Participant.
1.10. All Pride Month participation opportunities including but not limited to; StreetFair,
Parade, Community Events, Advertising (web & guide) and all sponsor benefits are
non-transferable. Only the logo/trademark of the organization/company that
entered into a signed agreement and or written consent with Pride Toronto is
permitted to be displayed in any of the opportunities listed above.
1.11. No Participants may display the Pride Toronto logo
1.12. Pride Toronto retains the right to update or modify the Parade Terms and Conditions
with written notice to Participants. Participants have three (3) business days to raise
an issue with Pride Toronto about the modified terms and express interest in
removal.
1.13. Pride Toronto retains the right to refuse any application without liability. Pride
Toronto retains the right to cancel or modify Pride Toronto or Pride Toronto events at
any time, in part or in full, without liability.
1.14. Parade monitors will be in all areas of the Parade to ensure all terms and conditions
are being abided by. If any Participant is in violation of the Parade Terms and
Conditions set forth in this document, Pride Toronto has the right to ask for
Participant removal, financial fine/bond, and has the right to deny future
registrations from the Participant.
1.15. If any of the Participant’s contingents have a Criminal Record, the Participant must
disclose that information to Pride Toronto staff during the registration process or as
soon as they are made aware.
1.16. Each Parade Participant will be required to provide proof of liability insurance for a
minimum of $2 million naming Pride Toronto as Additional Insured, effective June
25, 2023. An original certificate from your insurer and all other appropriate
documents must be uploaded to your registration form no later than May 15, 2023.
2. Registration Information
2.1. All registrations must be received through Pride Toronto’s registration platform as
advertised on Pride Toronto’s website.
2.2. The act of receiving an online registration shall not be deemed to impart or imply
any obligation for Pride Toronto to accept any bid or registration. Upon Pride
Toronto’s review of registration, the Participant will be notified electronically of their
acceptance into the Pride 2023 Parade.
2.3. Registrations will be considered incomplete and permits will not be placed on hold if
full payment is not made.
2.4. All Participants must meet category eligibility requirements as outlined in the online
application. If requested by Pride Toronto, Participants must provide proof of
qualification for the selected category. Should there be a dispute, Pride Toronto
reserves the right to deny registration on the grounds of ineligibility or offer the
Participant an opportunity to re-register under the appropriate category with
payment of the appropriate fees. (Note: Pride Toronto will not reserve permits during
a dispute or re-registration process).
2.5. Parade placement cannot be exchanged, shared, traded, or otherwise moved
without the written permission of Pride Toronto. Pride Toronto will not guarantee
that you will receive the location of your choice as indicated in your online
registration. If your registration wishes to be near/beside another entry, both entries
must indicate the request in their registration. Although not a guarantee, Pride
Toronto will do our best to accommodate such requests. Pride Toronto furthermore
reserves the right to change the Parade Placement of any Participant at any time.
2.6. All Charity/ Non-Profit registrants will be required to provide a charity or non-profit
registration number.
2.7. Non-registered, unapproved groups will not be permitted to join the parade after
May 8th 2023.
2.8. Should a physical parade not be permitted for reasons beyond Pride Toronto’s
control, contingents will be given the opportunity to work with Pride Toronto on an
alternative Parade option. Should the contingent prefer not to be included, Pride
Toronto will defer the application to the following year. Deferrals will only be
relevant for 1 year after the date of issue. Please note that no refunds will be given
under any circumstance.
2.8.1. Deferrals can only be applied to the original application and registered
Participant. There will be no transfer of application from one organization to
another when applying a deferral. The deferral has to be used towards the
original application and permit category.
2.8.1.1. In the event a deferral is used for the following year’s Parade, the
Participant may choose a different permit type and will be subject to
any additional fees associated with the new permit
3. Logistics, Operations and Safety
3.1. There will be a mandatory information session for all Participants (or their delegate)
to attend. This session will explain the parade route, ensure that all Participants are
aware of all Parade Terms and Conditions, day-of logistics, and answer any questions
Participants may have.
3.2. Participants will be given a separate arrival time for their marchers and vehicles (if
applicable). Vehicles should aim to arrive at the Staging Area as close to their
scheduled time as possible; too early or too late can cause significant issues with
parade order. Marchers should arrive at the Marching Area within 30 minutes of their
scheduled time; please do not instruct your marchers to arrive earlier than the
indicated time, as this can cause issues in the waiting area, and may also result in
your group waiting for several hours before marching.
3.3. Vehicles and marchers will line-up in different areas, which will be communicated to all Participants in the lead-up to the parade.
3.4. Individuals riding on the float must be on it before it leaves the staging area. No one
will be permitted to board their vehicle at the parade start; this must be done in the
vehicle holding area.
3.5. Once floats are in the holding area, participants are not allowed more than one
vehicle in this area. Participants should have all that’s necessary on the float before
getting to the holding area.
3.6. All floats and marchers must proceed down the Parade at a steady pace. Please work
to keep gaps between all groups as tight as possible.
3.7. Alcohol and all other controlled substances are not permitted on the parade route.
Any individual, group or float found with alcohol or prohibited substances will be
removed immediately.
3.8. The Participant specifically agrees that Pride Toronto assumes no responsibility for
damages to persons or property however caused, as a result of or pertaining to the
participation and/or activities of the Participant.
3.9. The use of pyrotechnics, open flames, confetti, paper streamers, and water guns are
strictly prohibited. Feathers attached to costumes are welcome, but should not be
thrown or treated like confetti.
3.10. Masks, bodysuits and any other article that covers a Participant’s face are allowed.
For safety reasons, all participants must be prepared and willing to show their faces
to Pride Toronto Parade Organizers and Officials if requested.
3.11. Nothing is to be higher than 12 ft off of the ground.
3.12. Puppets, boats, and dragons (marionettes) that are carried by performers inside the
body of the creation are permitted. Keep structures lightweight to avoid
top-heaviness and balance problems, they can be no higher than 12 ft from the
ground.
3.13. It is the responsibility of the Participants to be adequately prepared for Parade Day. It
is recommended to provide food, water, and sunscreen for your Marchers.
3.14. The sale of any kind of goods or services to the crowd along the parade route is
strictly prohibited.
3.15. Animals are not allowed in the Parade with the exception of certified service animals.
3.16. Parking will not be provided for any Participant. There is no personal parking
available from Pride Toronto anywhere on the festival site. Participants must make
their own parking and travel arrangements.
3.17. Separate delivery of materials to the holding areas of the Parade site is prohibited.
3.18. Pride Toronto does not supply tents, tables, extension cords, chairs or any supplies
to Participants. Participants are responsible for bringing what they need.
3.19. Garbage/recycling handling & removal standards must meet with the satisfaction of
the City of Toronto and the Pride Toronto Parade Committee. You are responsible for ALL garbage removal. Pride Toronto and the City of Toronto provide garbage,
recycling, and organics receptacles, and their use is strongly encouraged. Misuse of
these receptacles or a failure to separate waste appropriately may jeopardize the
Participants’ future participation in Pride festivals.
3.20. Participants may not use or distribute any excessive and wasteful, non-compostable
or non-recyclable materials throughout the parade. This includes, but is not limited
to plastic items, wax/plastic/foil coated paper, styrofoam, non-biodegradable
containers, plastic bags etc. We strongly advise looking towards an alternative for
plastic water bottles, but they will not be banned for the Parade.
3.21. All Participants are responsible for bringing their own water to the festival site. All
water (including greywater) is the responsibility of the vendor participants to dispose
of off-site.
3.22. Copyright release for performances or broadcasts is the sole responsibility of the
Participant. Pride Toronto assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever.
3.23. If Participants chose to have live performers or music, please ensure that the artist
and music chosen is reflective of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
3.24. The Participant is fully responsible for ensuring that they comply with all Federal,
Provincial and Municipal regulations (including, but not exclusively, noise, health,
fire safety, etc.) which may apply to any aspect of the Participant’s participation.
3.25. The Participant is fully responsible for any claims, demands, injuries, damages, etc.
by/to persons or property resulting from any actions or activities, omissions,
statutory violations, or any kind of illegal or wrongful actions or activities of their
doing. Infractions may require the revocation of the Participant’s permit without
compensation.
3.26. For Participant Disputes please refer to the Dispute Resolution Process in Appendix
A.
4. Float and Vehicle Regulations
4.1. Participants must purchase an option 3 permit to be eligible for a Float/Vehicle.
4.2. The Participant must supply Pride Toronto with the vehicle license plate and name of
the driver by June 9th, 2023.
4.3. The Participant agrees to build their float and or vehicle to the specifications listed
on the Application Form as well as further down this document.
4.4. The Participant agrees that the vehicle selected to mobilize their float will meet the
expectations set forth by Pride Toronto’s Green Initiative Guidelines during
registration and all City of Toronto bylaws to ensure safety is upheld. This includes
acquiring a vehicle that is either a certified hybrid (electric mode preferred) or a
certified e-powered vehicle. Alternatively, if the previous two options are not available, the Participant will be permitted to use a diesel engine vehicle IF the
Participant agrees to exclusively use biodiesel with said vehicle for the duration of
the Parade (this includes arrival and departure). Proof of compliance must be
provided to Pride Toronto no later than June 9th, 2023.
4.5. Each float built on a flatbed truck over 8 ft long MUST have the rear wheels covered
with wood panels. Floats must not be higher than 12 ft from the ground (to avoid live
streetcar cables), cannot be longer than 20 ft, and cannot be wider than 9 ft (one
traffic lane wide). Floats that go beyond either of these measurements will not be
permitted to proceed down the parade route.
4.5.1. If a vehicle is pulling a float, then the total length of the vehicle and the float
combined must not exceed 34 ft.
4.6. Participants with floats must have two designated turn marshals to march alongside
the float to ensure the Participant’s marchers are directed away from the float during
route turns. More information will be available at the Parade Information Session.
4.7. Each person must have a solid object to hold onto while riding the float. Once the
parade is underway, riders are NOT permitted to jump on or off of the float.
4.8. The Participant understands that the driver of any vehicle participating in the Parade
or March must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s license in the class appropriate to the
vehicle, and appropriate insurance available for presentation at all times on the day
of the Parade and March. The Participant understands that any driver who is unable
to produce a valid license or insurance will be removed from the Parade/March.
4.9. The Participant agrees that the driver of any vehicle must follow Ontario’s distracted driving laws. While driving, including when stopped or at a red light, it is illegal to:
use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial – you
can only touch a device to call 911 in an emergency, use a hand-held electronic
entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console view display
screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video program a GPS device, except
by voice commands.
4.10. The Participant agrees that the driver of any vehicle must not act as the
Participants’s DJ in accordance with Ontario’s distracted driving laws.
4.11. Any drivers found to be intoxicated or with controlled substances or alcohol on their
persons or in their vehicles will be removed from the Parade and March.
4.12. The Participant agrees that all drivers of motorcycles, or any other vehicle that
requires such protective gear, must wear the appropriate riding gear, including
helmets and seatbelts while riding their vehicles.
4.13. The Participant will comply with the rules and regulations of the holding area and
acknowledge that the holding area is not a building area. Floats are to arrive
ready-made with only final touches being applied within the holding area. Floats and
Vehicles are not permitted to idle unless they absolutely need to for a brief moment.
4.14. During the designated float staging time, Participants must keep music at a
reasonable level and may be required to turn down the volume to help the Pride
Toronto team organize and communicate effectively to all floats. Once the floats
leave the staging time, music can resume.
4.15. The Participant acknowledges and is responsible for ensuring that all floats have a
dry chemical fire extinguisher and a basic first aid kit on board. We highly
recommend that you also bring an emergency repair kit with tape, glue, wire, fuses,
tools, etc.
4.16. The Participant acknowledges that upon completion of the parade route floats will
be ushered into an immediate de-staging area where they will be dismantled to
road-ready* form within 5 minutes. *Road-ready vehicles are vehicles deemed to be
safe on public roads in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act.
4.17. Each vehicle and float must know the contact information for a towing company
appropriate its size in case of Parade Day breakdowns. The Participant is responsible
for the cost of towing in the event the Participant needs to be towed.
5. Sampling Regulations
5.1. Participants must purchase an option 2 or option 3 permit to be eligible for
sampling.
5.2. The quantity of items sampled is limited to 10,000 and the nature of the items must
be pre-approved by Pride Toronto. Inquiries with respect to the submission of items
for approval can be sent to parade@pridetoronto.com.
5.2.1. Sponsors of Pride Toronto’s festival may be exempt from the sampling
permit policy, subject to signed contractual arrangements.
5.3. The items sampled must directly relate to the registered group, and not to any
unregistered group or organization, no matter how affiliated. Branding must be
specified in the name of the registered group.
5.4. If condoms are being distributed, they must be Trojan. Please contact
parade@pridetoronto.com to discuss sampling of condoms and if you would like
Pride Toronto to secure Trojan condoms for you. Please note, it is while quantities
last and the Participant must arrange to pick up the condoms by June 1, 2023.
5.5. In an effort to ensure fairness for all groups, Pride Toronto reserves the right to
assess and charge the sampling permit fees after the festival from any groups who
sample without an issued permit.
5.6. Food and beverage items (wrapped or otherwise) may not be sampled or distributed
along the parade route.
5.7. Items must not be thrown into the crowd. Participants are responsible for ensuring
that their marchers hand the sampling product to crowd members for safety
6. Accessibility
- If you have individuals with accessibility needs please contact us at parade@pridetoronto.com.
- The Participant is responsible for ensuring their float is made accessible for their contingents wishing to participate.
7. Payments and Refunds
7.1. All payments are to be made online through the registration platform. We are also
able to accommodate PayPal, E-Transfer or wire payments. Cash and/or cheques for
the Permit Fees will not be accepted. Registrations will not be processed if payment
is incomplete. For any payment-related queries please contact
parade@pridetoronto.com.
7.2. A Participant has ten (10) business days from purchase to request a full refund for
their permit. After ten (10) business days, no refund will be offered. All refunds are
subject to a 10% administrative fee + HST. Additionally, there will be no refunds if a
Participant purchases their permit within the late sign-up time period (after April
14th).
7.3. All refunds will take approximately 30 days to be processed
7.4. There will be no refund of fees if a Participant is removed from the Festival/Parade.
7.5. Participants will be fined $500.00 if the Participant leaves anything left behind in the
holding or de-staging areas that should not have been left by the Participant; this
includes garbage.
7.6. Pride Toronto uses a 3 tier pricing structure – see below. The tiers change over at 5pm
on the last day of the date range listed.
7.7. Pride Toronto will not compensate, refund, discount or in any other way be
responsible for a lack of interest of the Participant from the public.
7.8. All prices are subject to 13% HST at checkout of application.
7.9. Prices subject to change without notice.
Parade Price Guide 2023
Permit Category M
Permit Types
Earlybird
Jan 12 to Feb 13
Regular
Feb 14 to Apr 14
Late
Apr 15 to May 8
Motorcycle Permit
$11
$11
$52
Permit Category A
Community Group – Reserved for community groups who do not have a non-profit or charity registration number.
Permit Types
Earlybird
Jan 12 to Feb 13
Regular
Feb 14 to Apr 14
Late
Apr 15 to May 8
Permit 1: Marching Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$52
$52
$52
Permit 2: Marching and Sampling Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$206
$258
$772
Permit 3: Marching, Sampling, and Vehicle Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$515
$566
$1081
Permit Category B
Charity / Non-profit / Small Union – Registered charities and nonprofits; government departments and organizations; political groups (except political parties) and organizations – Elected Officials and Candidates in Municipal office (City councillors, Mayors, Trustees); student groups, and unions with a membership under 25,000.
Permit Types
Earlybird
Jan 12 to Feb 13
Regular
Feb 14 to Apr 14
Late
Apr 15 to May 8
Permit 1: Marching Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$444
$592
$1,107
Permit 2: Marching and Sampling Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$710
$947
$1,462
Permit 3: Marching, Sampling, and Vehicle Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$1,154
$1,539
$2,053
Permit Category C
Large Unions / Political Parties – Unions with a membership greater than 25,000 members; any federally/provincially registered political party.
Permit Types
Earlybird
Jan 12 to Feb 13
Regular
Feb 14 to Apr 14
Late
Apr 15 to May 8
Permit 1: Marching Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$3,196
$3,550
$4,065
Permit 2: Marching and Sampling Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$6,391
$7,100
$7,615
Permit 3: Marching, Sampling, and Vehicle Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$8,521
$9,468
$9,982
Permit Category D
Small Commercial Entry – For-profit enterprises with two or fewer retail outlets, physical shops, or franchises, within Canada only.
Permit Types
Earlybird
Jan 12 to Feb 13
Regular
Feb 14 to Apr 14
Late
Apr 15 to May 8
Permit 1: Marching Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$1,385
$1,539
$2,053
Permit 2: Marching and Sampling Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$1,917
$2,131
$2,645
Permit 3: Marching, Sampling, and Vehicle Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$3,835
$4,261
$4,775
Permit Category E
Large Commercial / Sponsor Entry – For-profit enterprises with more than two franchises/outlets, or for businesses with a presence outside of Canada.
Permit 3: Marching, Sampling, and Vehicle Permit
(Maximum amount of marchers: 100)
$12,781
$14,202
$15,130
Please contact us at parade@pridetoronto.com to apply add-ons separately, after completion of your application.
Category A and B Add-ons
Additional Vehicle Permit
Premium Placement (First 30% of Parade – max 15 spots available).
Brand Add-on
Additional Marching Permit (rate applicable to an additional 100 marchers).
$2,000
$1,500
$500
$100
Category C, D, E and S Add-ons
Additional Vehicle Permit
Premium Placement (First 30% of Parade – max 15 spots available).
Brand Add-on
Additional Marching Permit (rate applicable to an additional 100 marchers).
$5,000
$3,000
$2,500
$750
If you are a Consulate office, Board of Trade, Tourist Board representing international countries, as well as tourism companies – please contact parade@pridetoronto.com before completing an online application form.
8. Marketing and Logo Use
8.1. No group may display logos other than their own. No third-party branded
sponsorship of any kind is permitted on the parade route. Any group bearing a
third-party logo (such as on a vehicle or on signs) will be prohibited from proceeding
down the route.
8.1.1. Union Participants are only eligible to display their respective Union logos
and not the companies that are part of the Union.
8.2. The Participant will not present any messages – verbal, written, in imagery or
otherwise that promote or condone violence or the incitement of hatred as defined
in the Criminal Code of Canada and the City of Toronto’s Anti-Discrimination Policy
or go against Pride Toronto’s Mission, Vision and Values.
8.3. The Participant will respect the rights of all members and supporters of our
communities, and tailor their parade messaging to be in solidarity.
8.4. Unbranded tied-down helium balloons are welcome, provided they are not higher
than 12 ft from the ground. Unbranded signs and flags are encouraged. Messages
must be consistent with Pride’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Signs and flags cannot
be higher than 12 ft from the ground.
9. Safety / Uniformed Security Officers
9.1. All Participants are responsible for the safety and security of their own goods and
equipment and must ensure the safety of the Participants by limiting any possible
access to their equipment at any time.
9.2. Any uniformed and licensed security is the sole responsibility of the Participant.
10. Festival Float Specifications
10.1. No float or vehicle should be taller than 12 ft from the ground
10.1.1. Keep structures lightweight to avoid top-heaviness and balance problems,
they can be no higher than 12 ft from the ground.
10.2. Each float built on a flatbed truck over 8 ft long MUST have the rear wheels covered
with wood panels. Floats must not be higher than 12 ft from the ground (to avoid live
streetcar cables), cannot be longer than 20 ft, and cannot be wider than 9 ft (one
traffic lane wide). Floats that go beyond either of these measurements will not be
permitted to proceed down the parade route.
10.2.1. If a vehicle is pulling a float, then the total length of the vehicle and the float combined must not exceed 34 ft.
10.3. Unbranded tied-down helium balloons are welcome, provided they are not higher
than 12 ft from the ground. Unbranded signs and flags are encouraged. Messages
must be consistent with Pride’s Mission, Vision, and Values. Signs and flags cannot
be higher than 13 ft from the ground.
10.4. Vehicles must either be: A certified hybrid vehicle, a certified e-powered vehicle or a
vehicle with a diesel engine that will exclusively use biodiesel for the duration of the
Parade (this includes arrival and departure).
10.5. Trailers must fit within the measurements outlined in 10.2. Please ensure that your
vehicle hitch ball is the correct weight and size to pull the respected trailer.
10.6. Generators on floats need to be either battery powered operated, solar power
operated or gasless operated.
11. Liability Release
11.1. In consideration of the acceptance of this registration and permission to participate
in the Pride Parade, the Participant releases, waive and forever discharge Pride
Toronto staff, board, volunteers, and suppliers, the City of Toronto and all other
associations, sanctioning bodies and sponsoring companies, and all their respective
agents, officials, servants, contractors, representatives, volunteers, staff, elected and
appointed officials, successors and assigns of and from all claims, demands,
damages, costs, expenses, actions and causes of action, whether in law or equity, in
respect of death, injury, loss or damage to my person or property howsoever caused,
arising or to arise by reason of my participation in the said event, whether as an
exhibitor, spectator, participant, competitor or otherwise, whether prior to, during or
subsequent to the event, and notwithstanding that the same may have been
contributed to, or occasioned by the negligence of any of the aforesaid.
12. Appendix A
Parade Participation Dispute Resolution
In accordance with the City of Toronto’s “Declaration of Compliance with
Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation & City Policy”, the Dispute Resolution Process (DRP) is established by Pride Toronto to review and resolve complaints about a group’s participation in or exclusion from the Pride Parade. The Board appoints a roster of volunteer Dispute Resolution Officers (DROs) who have relevant professional experience in adjudication and dispute resolution. The DROs do not advocate on behalf of or represent any party in a dispute. The DRP is not a legal proceeding. For greater certainty, the DRP will only consider complaints about the participation or exclusion of a group in the Pride Parade, or an alleged violation of the rules and policies governing participation in the parade or march. Complaints about any other Pride Toronto activities and decisions not relating to a group’s participation in or exclusion from the Pride Parade, and any proposed changes to the by-laws or policies of Pride Toronto, will not be considered through the DRP. This policy governs all complaints received in the 2023 calendar year.
How do I file a complaint through the DRP?
A complaint must be submitted by email to disputeresolution@pridetoronto.com.
The complaint must contain all of the following information:
a. The complainant’s name and phone number and/or email address
b. The group whose participation or exclusion is the subject of the complaint;
c. The specific grounds for the complaint, including reference to the particular section in a
Pride Toronto by-law, policy, or rule that is alleged to be at issue; and
d. The exact form of relief or remedy sought by the complainant.
The main body of the complaint – i.e., the specific grounds and relief sought – is limited to 500
words. No other documents should be submitted at this stage. Anonymous complaints or use of pseudonyms are not permitted. Complaints that do not contain all of the required information, are longer than 500 words, or are not submitted by email or by the deadline will not be considered. A complainant must elect to proceed by mediation, to be followed by arbitration (if mediation fails), or waive mediation and simply elect to proceed to arbitration. Contact information will be provided to the presiding DRO, who may in turn also provide such information to the group affected by the complaint. Pride Toronto cannot guarantee that the names of complainants, or their contact information or complaints, or the results of the DRP, will not become matters for the public record.
What are the timelines to submit a complaint?
The list of approved parade Participants is posted on Pride Toronto’s website on June 1. Complaints about a Pride Toronto approved or excluded Participant must be filed by June 7, but no earlier than June 1, to address participation in the 2023 parade. If there are complaints about the behaviour of a parade or march Participant, who participated in the 2023 parade, a member has 30 days from the alleged violation to submit a complaint.
Who can submit a complaint?
Pride Toronto will only consider complaints from current members of the organization in good standing.
What are the resolution options?
There are three avenues or methods available to make a complaint and seek resolution including:
- A request for Corrective Action – when not seeking a penalty and within Pride Toronto’s authority – this process is outside of the Dispute Resolution process.
- A request for Mediation – between the complainant(s) and other parade or march Participant(s) in an effort to resolve the complaint. The goal of mediation is to come to a workable solution that leaves both sides in agreement with the resolution.
- A request for Arbitration – which seeks an independent review of the approval or exclusion of Participants in the parade or march, or an alleged violation of the rules and policies governing participation in the parade or march. A complainant may request to start at step one and proceed through the steps or go directly to Arbitration.
What happens after a complaint is filed?
If a complaint is submitted by the deadline established in a given year and contains all of the required information indicated above, a single DRO will be selected by Pride Toronto from the roster to preside over the dispute, including both the mediation and/or arbitration, as the circumstances may require. A single DRO may be selected to preside over two or more complaints that appear to involve substantially similar issues and/or affect the same group.
The DRO may dismiss a complaint on their own initiative, without requiring further information or submissions from a complainant or affected group, if in their opinion the complaint is frivolous, vexatious, or an abuse of process. For example, a complaint relating to an issue that has been resolved or adjudicated by a prior DRP, whether involving the same or different group(s) and/or complainant(s), shall be considered an abuse of process and be dismissed.
Otherwise, the mediation and/or arbitration process shall commence within three ( 3) days of the selection of the presiding DRO. The contact person for the affected group shall be sent a copy of the complaint by the DRO upon commencement of the mediation or arbitration process.
The DRO has sole authority to (1) issue procedural rulings in the mediation and/or arbitration, including the rights of the complainant and the affected group to present information and/or make submissions in writing or in person; and where an arbitration occurs, (2) make findings based on information and submissions, and (3) render a final decision regarding a group’s participation in or exclusion from the Pride Parade.
Resolution of Complaints
If the affected group does not provide any information or response or participate in the mediation and/or arbitration, the DRP may still continue and the DRO may nevertheless render a final decision regarding that group’s participation in or exclusion from the Pride Parade, which shall be binding on the affected group.
The entire mediation and/or arbitration process in relation to an affected group shall be concluded no later than one (1) week before the Pride Parade. If the entire mediation and/or arbitration process is not concluded by this deadline, the affected group shall be permitted to march in or be excluded from the Pride Parade, as would be the case prior to the initiation of the complaint(s).
If the mediation and/or arbitration process is concluded by the deadline, the results (and, where an arbitration occurs, any written reasons for the DRO’s final decision) shall be published within 5 days of the conclusion of the process.
There shall be no appeals or further reviews from any outcome of the DRP.
Limitation Of Liability
In consideration for participating in the DRP process, complainants and affected groups agree that Pride Toronto (including its staff, directors, and volunteers) and the DROs are immune from and not subject to civil claims or causes of action in relation to the DRP, and no legal proceedings in any form whatsoever shall be brought against Pride Toronto, its staff, directors, and volunteers, and/or any DRO, because of or in relation to their role in the DRP or any outcome of the DRP.
Last updated: January 12, 2023
