The West Shore rolled into downtown Victoria for the city's annual Pride parade – quite literally.
Langford Coun. Colby Harder strapped on a pair of rollerblades and skated the full 2.4-kilometre route, spreading cheer, high-fives, and a steady stream of buttons and stickers along the way.
"It was full of energy, so joyous and so great to see so many smiles on the road," said Harder as the parade reached its conclusion.
And with tens of thousands of spectators lining the route in support of Greater Victoria's 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Harder's mode of transport proved efficient.
"I handed out way more buttons and stickers this year, and lots of high-fives," she said.
The City of Langford's Pride float was powered by a DJ, flanked by the Superheroes of Victoria and backed by a proud contingent including councillors and Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Jeff Kibble – plus an inflatable unicorn atop a city truck.
Also representing the West Shore for the festivities were Colwood's Royal Roads University and the Sooke School District.
It marked the second year the City of Langford has officially taken part in the Victoria Pride parade, this time sharing the message, "Everyone is welcome in Langford."
"It's Langford proud – we are a diverse community and this says it loud and clear," said Coun. Lillian Szpak. "And I really felt that spirit – not just in the parade, but from our float and the way our staff, council and community got on board with it.
"We want to reflect what we're hearing – we're a proud, welcoming community."
