Maclaren Art Centre hosts inaugural Pride Night
Enya Dreams performs in the inaugural Pride Night at the Maclaren Art Museum on Thurs. June 22, 2023 (Jonathan Guignard/CTV News Barrie)
A centre for artistic creativity in Simcoe County is celebrating Pride Month like it never has before.
The Maclaren Art Centre in Barrie held its first-ever Pride Night on Thursday. While the centre frequently celebrates the LGBTQ2S+ community in various exhibits, this is the first time a drag show has been held in honour of Pride Month.
"What we're seeing tonight is a full cross-section of people here, all ages, and the whole vibe feels really different and uplifting and people just wanting to enjoy each other and have some fun," said Lisa Daniels, the art centre's executive director. "So I think it's for me really inspiring."
In addition to a drag show featuring various performers, the night also included various artisan vendors and service providers.
One of the performers said they have noticed increased support over recent years for Simcoe County's LGBTQ2S+ community.
"It's been incredible," said Enya Dreams. "Honestly [being] from Barrie originally, moving to Collingwood, and seeing the community grow so much and be so supported has been great."
Daniels says one of the overarching goals of the inaugural Pride Show is to create a safe space.
"[The Maclaren Art Centre is] the perfect spot. It's a place that brings people together," said Daniels. "It's a place where art is celebrated, and it's a place that is right downtown, and everybody should feel comfortable coming here and celebrating."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
64 people charged in Ontario child exploitation investigations
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 people have been arrested and a combined 348 charges have been laid in connection with a series of child exploitation investigations that spanned across the province.
-
80-year-old Woolwich man charged with attempted murder
Waterloo Regional Police have arrested and charged an 80-year-old man with attempted murder.
-
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
London
-
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
-
Dozens of suspects, including two from London, charged in sexual abuse investigations in Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police say they have laid hundreds of charges against 64 people, including two from London, in a series of investigations into child sexual abuse.
-
OPP report fatal crash in Seaforth
It happened on Sparling Street in Seaforth. The road is closed between Market Street and John Street.
Windsor
-
Death deemed not suspicious after body found near Tecumseh Mall
Windsor police say the death was not suspicious after a body was found near an east Windsor mall.
-
Job fair taking place in Windsor
Employment Options is hosting a job fair in Windsor on Thursday.
-
Shirtless man caught on camera stealing items during home break-in
Windsor police are asking for the public’s help after a shirtless man was caught on a security camera allegedly breaking into a downtown home and stealing several items.
Northern Ontario
-
Seven northern Ont. men busted in huge online child exploitation investigation
A province-wide child sexual abuse investigation by Ontario Provincial Police dubbed Project Aquatic has resulted in hundreds of charges, including seven male suspects from northern Ontario.
-
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
-
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Greater Sudbury Cubs head to national hockey championship
After dealing with the stomach flu and the associated bumps and bruises that accompany a run to a championship, the Greater Sudbury Cubs junior 'A' hockey team is intent on succeeding at the Centennial Cup.
-
Assault conviction upheld for northern Ont. soccer player who punched opponent in the face
A vicious retaliation punch in a soccer game five years ago in the Sault was aggravated assault, an appeals court has confirmed.
-
Seven northern Ont. men busted in huge online child exploitation investigation
A province-wide child sexual abuse investigation by Ontario Provincial Police dubbed Project Aquatic has resulted in hundreds of charges, including seven male suspects from northern Ontario.
Ottawa
-
High school student fatally stabbed in Nepean remembered as 'beloved' son
A 15-year-old who was fatally stabbed last week is being remembered as a "beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend."
-
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
-
Attempted murder charges laid in Overbrook apartment fire
The Ottawa Police Service has laid charges against an Ottawa man, including for attempted murder, in connection with an alleged arson of an Overbrook apartment building last week.
Toronto
-
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
-
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
-
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Montreal
-
WATCH THE VIDEOWATCH THE VIDEO Actor Gouchy Boy charged with assaulting Montreal photographer before sentencing on sex assault
A Quebec actor known as Gouchy Boy was charged with assaulting a photographer at a Montreal-area courthouse Wednesday minutes before he was sentenced for sexual assault.
-
Drugs, cash and guns seized in Montreal police organized crime raid
Four suspects were arrested, and guns, drugs and cash were seized in a two-day Montreal police organized crime squad operation.
-
Quebec government considering banning cell phones in all schools
Quebec’s education minister is now considering banning cell phones everywhere in schools, not just in the classroom, as is currently the case.
Atlantic
-
Premier Higgs announces new N.B. environment minister
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has named a new minister of environment and climate change nearly three weeks after the previous one resigned from the post over political disagreements.
-
Pilot project for three-wheeled vehicles to start in Nova Scotia soon
A pilot project to test and evaluate the operation of federally-approved three-wheeled vehicles on Nova Scotia roads starts next week.
-
Two P.E.I. people charged with drug trafficking after fentanyl seized from vehicle travelling over Confederation Bridge
Two people from Summerside, P.E.I., have been charged with drug trafficking after police say fentanyl was seized from a vehicle travelling over the Confederation Bridge Tuesday morning.
Winnipeg
-
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
-
Proposed class-action lawsuit launched against Manitoba government for use of solitary confinement in prisons
A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Manitoba government by a previous inmate for the use of solitary confinement, calling the practice, "cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment."
-
‘We’re giving a chance for nature to come back’: Winnipeg school hosts tree-planting event
A Winnipeg elementary school will be looking a lot greener in the future.
Calgary
-
Calgary man charged with sexual assault of Cowboys patron
Calgary police have charged a man with the sexual assault of a woman he met at a downtown club.
-
Commissionaire charged after alleged assault at Calgary police facility
A commissionaire contracted by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) was charged with assault following an alleged incident with an arrestee at a police facility over the weekend.
-
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Edmonton
-
Charges pending after man follows student to school: officials
Three Edmonton Catholic schools were put on alert Wednesday morning because a man followed a student into school.
-
Feds defend carbon capture technology after Capital Power pulls plug on Genesee project
Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says carbon capture technology is not too expensive or ineffective.
-
ATCO subsidiary to build new Alta. pipeline to supply gas to petrochemical project
Canadian Utilities Ltd., a subsidiary of Calgary-based holding company ATCO Ltd., says it plans to build a new natural gas pipeline in Alberta to supply a massive net-zero petrochemical project being built northeast of Edmonton.
Regina
-
Speed limit to be lowered in Regina's Cathedral neighbourhood
The speed limit in Regina’s Cathedral neighbourhood will be lowered to 40 kilometres per hour after city council voted in favour of the reduction Wednesday afternoon.
-
Sask. reports over $200,000 worth of ministerial travel in past 6 months, defends need for trade missions
Premier Scott Moe and his team of officials had the largest travel bill for the most recent six month reporting period – earning scorn from the Official Opposition.
-
Moose Jaw man charged with possession of child pornography
A Moose Jaw man has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.
Saskatoon
-
'Written off': Sask. woman says her brother, who has Down syndrome, fell through the cracks
Tara Jo Kadlec has been advocating for better care for her brother Cory for years.
-
Saskatoon court hears 'not guilty' from one of three accused in 2006 homicide
One of three accused in the killing of a Saskatoon man 18 years ago has pleaded not guilty.
-
Blades season ends with heartbreaking game seven overtime loss to Warriors
They call it sudden death overtime for a reason, and game seven of the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) east final between the Saskatoon Blades and Moose Jaw Warriors delivered just that.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors bet on who will win Round 2 of the playoffs. Here's what's at stake
The stakes have been set for a bet between Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors on who will win Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
-
$110 ICBC rebate coming for eligible drivers, no increase to basic insurance until 2026
Millions of eligible B.C. drivers will receive a rebate before the end of July, ICBC's CEO announced Wednesday.
-
Police brace for Canucks vs. Oilers, support Vancouver's small viewing areas
Canucks fans should expect a "large police presence" throughout Vancouver's downtown core on game nights as authorities prepare for the team's playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers.
Vancouver Island
-
$110 ICBC rebate coming for eligible drivers, no increase to basic insurance until 2026
Millions of eligible B.C. drivers will receive a rebate before the end of July, ICBC's CEO announced Wednesday.
-
Victoria cyclist accused of spitting into car surrenders to police
Police in Victoria say a cyclist who allegedly spat into the open window of a passing car last month has surrendered at police headquarters.
-
London Drugs president apologizes for cyberattack shutdown as investigation continues
The head of London Drugs is apologizing to customers after all the retailer's stores in Western Canada were shuttered last month by a cybersecurity breach that remains under investigation.
