In the wake of the Orlando shooting and a thwarted attempt to target gay pride events in Los Angeles this week, there is a heightened sense of security leading into pride events in Nova Scotia.
Halifax Pride Week kicks off next month, and organizers say their focus is on keeping visitors safe.
"There will be discussions at the board level as we finalize planning,” said Willem Blois, chair of Halifax Pride. “I'm sure Halifax Regional Police will be very receptive to whatever we need."
Halifax police say they'll do just that.
"We take into consideration what the threat environment is, the number of people, and take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of all who are present," said Chief Jean-Michel Blais of Halifax Regional Police.
Police say they are in constant communication with organizers to determine their needs as the city prepares to host the fourth-largest pride festival in Canada.
The owner of Reflections Cabaret in downtown Halifax says they have always been safety conscious. But in light of the deadly shooting, everyone will be on heightened alert.
"We were the first people in Halifax to use metal detectors and have been using them for over ten years,” said Reflections Cabaret owner Mike Schmid. “We're also strict on aggressive behaviour, strict on homophobic behavior – don't stand for any of it inside the club.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.
