The leading advocate for Windsor-Essex's LGBTQ+ community has expanded its operations, thanks to a provincial grant.
Windsor-Essex Pride Fest used a $28,300 Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to add space to its headquarters on Ottawa Street. The changes were revealed on Friday.
The grant was rewarded in September 2023 to expand existing space and reconfigure their community space.
"This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation helps the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest with additional space for more individuals to utilize the services they provide for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Windsor-Essex," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie. "They work tirelessly to keep our region a place where all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can thrive, and investment by our government through OTF will ensure that they can expand their programming and continue to offer services in a safe, inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy."
Interest in programs provided by Windsor-Essex Pride Fest has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the need for increased space.
"These renovations have allowed us to make our space more efficient, usable, and accessible to accommodate more individuals using our community space," said Windsor-Essex Pride Fest President Wendi Nicholson. "Our mission is to strengthen the sense of community and contribute to the vibrancy, health, and overall well-being of all 2SLGBTQIA+ persons in Windsor-Essex, and this truly has made a tremendous difference for us to achieve that mission."
The organization oversees the annual Windsor-Essex Pride Fest, held in Windsor every August. The free programming offered at the Ottawa Street office includes QConnect Youth Drop-In, for ages 12 to 18, Young Adult Mixer for adults ages 19 to 29, QConnect Plus Social nights for seniors, Two-Spirit Group, and others.
