Celebration of Pride: Surrey joins Vancouver’s pride parade
Published 6:30 am Friday, August 7, 2026
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and Surrey Schools were among the Surrey-connected organizations showing their support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community during Vancouver’s annual Pride Parade on Aug. 2, joining more than 100,000 people for the celebrations.
The parade ran from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., travelling from Pacific Boulevard near BC Place toward How Street and Pacific Boulevard.
Despite a rainy start to the day, the clouds parted way to sunshine just in time for the parade.
Surrey Schools shared that this event was an opportunity to publicly reaffirm its commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming school communities.
“Surrey Schools joins partners such as the Surrey Teachers Association and CUPE 728 to publicly affirm the importance of creating school communities where every learner feels seen, connected and supported,” said Rena Kaur Heer, director of communications for Surrey Schools.
“Our participation reflects our commitment to create the conditions that enable all students and staff to experience a strong sense of belonging and thrive in school and beyond,” continued Heer.
Surrey Schools first participated in Vancouver’s Pride Parade virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and continued virtually for two years before taking part in person beginning in 2022.
Surrey Schools was not the only school district present in the Lower Mainland as many others walked and celebrated down the parade line.
Heer explained to Peace Arch News that the Surrey school districts participating is a part of their broader commitment to making schools safe, caring and inclusive spaces for all students, staff and families.
“Surrey Schools is committed to ensuring every school is an inclusive space regardless of their race, culture, religious, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression,” said Heer.
“We are pleased to participate in events that reinforce our commitment and responsibility to fostering school communities where everyone feels respected, represented, and a strong sense of belonging. We are proud to be part of this annual event,” Heer shared.
KPU was also represented at the parade, adding another Surrey-area educational institution to the celebration.
Other Surrey-connected groups were also part of the Pride celebrations, including PFLAG Surrey and Sher Pride.
PFLAG Surrey is the local PFLAG chapter serving Delta, Langley, Surrey and White Rock. The organization describes itself as a group of supportive parents, families, friends and allies of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Sher Pride, formerly known as Sher Vancouver, was founded in 2008 to provide arts, cultural and social service programs for queer South Asians and their friends, families and allies throughout Metro Vancouver.
Together, the Surrey-connected representation at the parade highlighted the number of local organizations, institutions and community members taking part in Pride beyond the city’s borders.