Air quality concerns move Saturday’s Pride activities to Sudbury Arena

Depending on conditions, Sudbury Pride March through downtown could still take place

Fierté Sudbury Pride has announced the relocation of most of its Saturday festivities from Larch Street to the Sudbury Arena due to air quality concerns as the area has been impacted by drifting wildfire smoke. However, it is still hoped that the Sudbury Pride March through downtown Sudbury on Saturday afternoon will be able to take place. “We will assess local conditions closer to the event to make a final determination,” said a press release.

For the latest updates and real-time information, follow Fierté Sudbury Pride on Facebook and Instagram. While the skies are clear in Greater Sudbury as of early Friday morning, Air Quality Ontario said the air quality index will return to “high risk” in the city as of Friday night. Pride activities also took place at the Sudbury Arena back in 2023 due to inclement weather that year.

“This proactive decision was made to ensure a welcoming, enjoyable and safe atmosphere for all participants, guaranteeing the success of the event and providing the best possible environment,” said a press release from Fierté Sudbury Pride. “While we continue to monitor air quality, we are committed to ensuring a vibrant experience regardless of conditions, allowing adequate planning time for our vendors, performers, and community partners.” While organizers remain hopeful for clearer skies, the shift to the Sudbury Arena ensures a safe, breathable, and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants, performers and volunteers.

"Our priority remains providing a welcoming, enjoyable, and safe event," said Pride treasurer Alicia Irwin. "Relocating to the arena allows us to ensure the best possible experience while maintaining the high-energy celebration our community expects." This emergency relocation was made possible through the rapid assistance of City of Greater Sudbury staff, said the press release.

Organizers extended a special thank you to the municipal team for their support, particularly as many staff members and managers assisted on short notice to ensure the event could proceed safely. “We are incredibly grateful to the City of Greater Sudbury and its dedicated staff for their rapid response and decisive actions, which were instrumental in facilitating this relocation,” said the press release. “N95 masks will be available for attendees if needed.”

The following events will now take place inside the Sudbury Arena on Saturday, July 18: - 12-4 p.m — Pride Vendor Market (music, all-day fun and local vendors). - 1 p.m. — Workshop: Punk Pins (interactive session making custom punk pins).

- 2:30 p.m. —Workshop: Banner Making (community banner creation for the march). - 4:30-5:30 p.m.— Sudbury Pride March (still planned to take place through downtown Sudbury). - 7:30-11 p.m. — Pride Block Party -

After Dark (entertainment including Cosmic Creme, Haviah Mighty, Lex Leosis, Karamilk, Johnny Jones, Dahlia Doll, Talon Schneider, Missy Motional and Honey-Moon Aerial)