Calgary Pride has now begun collecting donations towards a rainbow crosswalk to be painted in front of the Calgary Tower for Pride Week 2016. Donations can be made at calgarypride.ca/pridewalk

Individuals or companies who are unable to contribute financially are encouraged to join the Calgary Pride volunteer parade marshal team, to help ensure the success of the 26th annual Calgary Pride Parade. Details available at calgarypride.ca/volunteer

The cost of the crosswalk is expected to be $4000, which Calgary Pride hopes can be fully funded by private donations and with no cost to taxpayers or to the organization. Thanks to the tremendous support of numerous partners, including presenting partner ATB Financial, as well as a sold out parade and marketplace, Calgary Pride is in a stable financial position for this year's events. "We were in a position where we needed to look at what the best impact would be, dollar for dollar, and we felt that investing in education and outreach through our new Symposium was the better use of funds than a temporary crosswalk this year" says Craig Sklenar, Director of Government Affairs with Calgary Pride. The Symposium event will be taking place in late 2016 or early 2017, and will feature panellists and keynote presentations focussed on what's next for the LGBTQ community.

Calgary Pride will begin consultations this fall with community members, local stakeholders, and Councillor Evan Wooley to establish a more permanent representation of Pride in the city of Calgary.

The 2016 edition of the Calgary Pride Festival, presented by ATB Financial, takes place August 26th to September 5th, and includes over 25 events that celebrate Calgary's diversity. The signature Calgary Pride Parade and Pride in the Park events take place on Sunday, September 4th, 2016, and are free to attend. Event details are available at www.calgarypride.ca