For the first time in the city's history, a Pride flag is flying at North Bay City Hall.
Close to 200 people, from the LGBTQ2+ community, their supporters, labour leaders and local politicians attended the historic event.
Tears streamed down the face of Marissa Jylha as the flag was raised.
"My wife actually is Nick, the chair of the North Bay Pride Committee. I hid my sexuality for so long. It's an emotional thing for me to see this in North Bay because I always felt very closed off here," said Jylha. "I have my kids with me. It is so nice to see so many people together and supporting everybody."
Candace Ghent identifies as a queer trans non-binary person. In speaking to the crowd,Ghent reminded everyone that Pride has always been political and should remain political.
"It is important for us to honour our history and acknowledge all of the work that has come before us, and all of the work people in our community are still doing to fight those kinds of injustice and how we need to continue doing that fight. We really need to listen to each other about what everyone in our community needs."
Jeffrey Hamilton is an openly gay student who attends Widdifield Secondary. He feels luckier than some of the older community members who came out in a different generation.
"I'm very fortunate to be where I am today and I'm really happy where I am," said Hamilton. "I think my generation has a better understanding because everyone at my school is very accepting, there has never been any bullying. I was really scared coming out at first but after that I was just surprised, because I've seen all the movies with all the bullying but its not like that any more."
Hamilton would like to see classes introduced into the high school curriculum focusing on the LGBTQ2+ community. He has been approached by people who agree with the idea. He will be scheduling meetings with his principal.to go over his ideas.
"In history class I want to add in a unit focusing on people who changed things going on in the LGBTQ2+ community, Stonewall and the recent Orlando shootings. In sexual education, I'd like discussions on safe sex, gender identity, sexuality and stuff like that," said Hamilton.
For parents of adult children who have not had the same experiences growing up, seeing people coming together in support of one another is heartwarming.
Parent John MacLennan calls it a progressive and important step in moving forward both for the LGBTQ2+ community and for the city.
"It's a wonderful thing, inclusiveness. A lot of people come from all walks of life, including myself. I came from Britain about 50 years ago. I've been accepted as part of the culture in Canada and so should they."
Lynne Newman says Friday's flag raising ceremony and Saturday's Pride March are both 'a very long time coming'.
"Jason told us he was gay about 30 years ago and we went through the family transition. We moved to North Bay from Southern Ontario and there was an obvious lack of any places they could go for support, just to be with other people from the community. Through the AIDS Committee, who are an invaluable asset to the community, it just went from there and Jason has grown and with that, he's brought his family and friends with him. I'm so proud of my son."
Hundreds of people are expected to gather at City Hall for a rally Saturday morning, starting at 11:00 to kick-off the North Bay Pride March. From there, they walk down Main Street to Memorial Drive, stopping at the band shell for a Unity for Pride Picnic sponsored by the North Bay and District Labour Council.
The family friendly barbecue is a free event, with events for the children and information booths designed to educate the public about PRIDE.
