Saskatoon mayor to serve as grand marshal of city's 2017 Pride parade

Saskatoon's mayor will serve as grand marshal of the 2017 Pride parade in the city this summer.

Charlie Clark confirmed it during an update at Monday's governance and priorities committee meeting.

Pride Festival co-chair Danny Papadatos says Clark is the first Saskatoon mayor to march in the parade.

He saidthat's a significant change from former mayor Don Atchison, who faced criticism over the decision to not march in the parade during his tenure.

Papadatos notes that Clark has marched in the parade before, as a councillor.

Papadatos saidthe mayor's participation will be welcomed and could mark a step forward for the city's LGBTQ community.

"Feeling that support and knowing the city is behind you is that comfort feeling we might have been missing," he says, adding it could convince members of the community to stay in Saskatoon.

The Pride Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Saskatoon this year, with a variety of events throughout June.

The parade is set for June 24.