Montreal Pride festival to boost security after deadly Berlin attack

MONTREAL – With Montreal Pride’s weeklong festivities kicking off Friday, organizers say security is a top priority. 

“Fierté Montréal’s top priority is to ensure a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for everyone who participates in our activities,” said interim director Higino Monteiro in a statement.

Fierté Montréal executive producer Mélanie Reeves says Sunday’s deadly attack at Berlin Pride is deeply concerning. 

A 21-year-old man killed a woman and injured 31 others when he rammed a van into a crowd before stabbing people with a machete. 

“It’s clear that the (LGBTQ+) communities are still being targeted and are seen as a threat,” said Reeves. “This is a tragedy. We want to offer our full support and solidarity, but what this does is put us in a state of hyper-vigilance.”

The Pride festival hosts daily events — including drag shows, music performances and dance battles — at the Village neighbourhood and at Olympic Park leading up to the parade downtown on Aug. 9.

Those who participate in events at the stadium, which has security of its own, will go through metal detectors, according to organizers. 

The parade passes through a pedestrian street in the Village where organizers will place additional barriers like concrete blocks. 

Pride organizers also say they hired some 300 security guards and are working closely with police and city officials. 

According to Reeves, the festival sites in Montreal have heavy surveillance, and the organization tripled its security budget in the last four years. 

Monteiro said the increase is due to a rise in tensions and violent incidents targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Canada and worldwide.

— With files from Sébastien Auger and Quentin Dufranne 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2026.