For the first time in its history, the City of Langford will participate in the City of Victoria Pride Parade on Sunday, July 7.
"We're growing as a community like we've grown so much in the past few years. And I think just the capacity to talk about diversity and how unique our residents are," said Langford Coun Kimberley Guiry.
Guiry said invitations were extended to various mayors and councillors throughout the West Shore, including Colwood, Highlands, and View Royal, as well as various boards and committees.
"it's going be a family-friendly walk. It's really exciting," Guiry said.
There will be singing, dancing, a Taylor Swift theme, along with plenty of Pride swag.
"It's a very fun, kind way of being inclusive," Guiry said.
The parade will be a good chance for the City of Langford to be very clear about its values as a council and about what and who it stands for.
"Pride has its roots in protest, as we know, so we're always very cognizant of what that means," she added.
The City of Langford has done a lot of work to increase diversity around the city, with Pride banners designed by Scia'new First Nations artist Jeannie Chips displayed along Goldstream Avenue and the new Pride flag crosswalk at Spencer Middle School.
"We are welcoming, we are ready to talk about how unique our residents are," Guiry said. "We can talk about our complexity and uniqueness and how it makes us more united."
The Langford Pride Committee has worked to plan the event and all the mayor and council, aside from councillor Lillian Szpak, who will be attending a family engagement.
City of Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson said he is excited to join the Pride Parade this year and is excited to demonstrate his and city's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
"Langford is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada with a population that represents a wide range of cultural backgrounds and diverse voices. Fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, celebrated and included is a priority of the council," Goodmanson said.
Guiry said that even though Pride month is over and the parade is just around the corner, it is important to celebrate Pride all year.
"I'm happy to connect with anybody that wants to talk about Pride and Langford," Guiry said. "I look forward to having those conversations."