They didn't get to raise the rainbow at Toronto City Hall, but one of the biggest events on the summer calendar will go on as scheduled.
The city has confirmed that the Pride Parade, a huge celebration that attracts up to a million people every year, will proceed, despite the CUPE workers' strike.
A Toronto spokesman agrees there's no reason to cancel the money maker, since there appears to be enough non-city workers to support not only the event but the massive clean-up that follows it.
"We'll be providing cleanup services on a limited basis for the Pride parade," he explains.
Worry about the event's fate grew after the annual raising of the rainbow flag ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square was abruptly called off Monday morning. But that was only because the symbolic gesture took place on city-owned property and with pickets present, all events on similar turf have been cancelled city-wide for the duration of the walkout.
The flag was put up at 519 Church St. as an alternate, instead (top left). "We're just happy to continue our 20-year tradition of continuing to raising our flag at the same time," agrees Maura Lawless of the 519 Church St. Community Centre.
"It's unfortunate that it was cancelled ... but I don't believe its going to impact Pride. We always have a fabulous time."
Other events are equally at risk, and while officials won't say if Canada Day fireworks will have to be cancelled, Ontario Place officials have already said theirs will go on as scheduled.
Meanwhile, the CHIN Picnic is also on as usual, because the event hired separate contractors to clean up.