Safety at Banff Pride

Creating safer, joyful spaces for every body

At Banff Pride, your safety, comfort, and joy are our top priorities. Whether you're attending as a guest, artist, volunteer, vendor, or ally, we’re committed to building a festival environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and as safe as possible for every member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In an increasingly complex world, we recognize the importance of preparing thoughtfully, responding with care, and showing up in solidarity. Pride is protest, celebration, and community care and that includes protecting one another.

What We’re Doing to Keep Banff Pride Safe

  • Trained staff and volunteers: All team members are briefed on safety, inclusion, and emergency protocols.

  • Zero-tolerance policy: Discrimination, harassment, or hate of any kind will not be tolerated.

  • Visible signage & safer space indicators: Pride flags, pronoun buttons, and code of conduct posters help set the tone.

  • Onsite safety leads & de-escalation support: Our team is trained to support guests, redirect harmful behavior, and manage situations calmly.

  • First aid & emotional support: Medical and peer support services will be on site at high-traffic events.

  • Venue security: Select venues may have bag checks or restricted access. If present, this will be noted in advance on the event page.

We are also actively monitoring for rising safety concerns and working with local authorities and security teams only when needed and with care. We do not partner with law enforcement unless absolutely necessary and in consultation with community.

For Guests: How You Can Help Keep Pride Safe

  • Treat others with respect, we are all guests in this shared space.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and alert a Pride volunteer if you need support.

  • Practice consent, on the dance floor, during photos, or anywhere else.

  • Be mindful of space and energy levels, Pride can be exciting and overstimulating. Take breaks when needed.

  • Don’t engage with hate, we will have response protocols in place for disruptions. Your focus is on joy, not confrontation.

If You Experience or Witness Harm

If you feel unsafe or witness a hate incident, please:

  1. Find a nearby Banff Pride volunteer or staff member (look for lanyards or uniforms).

  2. Move to a designated safe zone or quiet area if available.

  3. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

  4. If you’d like to report something after an event, email info@banffpride.ca

We will always honor your comfort, privacy, and decision about whether to involve authorities.

Mental Health & Community Support

Pride is powerful, but it can also be emotionally overwhelming. That’s valid. You are not alone.

Banff Pride will have support resources available during major events, and our volunteers are trained to connect you with community-based mental health and crisis supports.

Take care of yourself. Rest is resistance. Joy is protest. Community is everything.

Help Us Improve

Banff Pride’s safety planning is ongoing and community-informed. We welcome your feedback, ideas, or concerns at info@banffpride.ca.

Together, let’s make Banff Pride safer, more vibrant, and more powerful than ever.