Surrey holds first ever Pride Parade

In another sign of Surrey’s increasing growth and diversity, the municipality held its first-ever pride parade today.

“It’s really important I think for Surrey to see the colours of pride being be flown at city hall, marched down the street, celebrated in queer proms,” said Surrey Pride Society President Shawn Ewing.

“This is the year for Surrey coming alive with LGBTQ community I think.”

WATCH: Surrey LGBTQ teens held their very own prom for the first time ever in Surrey earlier this month

1:42 Everyone welcome at Surrey’s first LGBTQ prom

It was just two years ago that Surrey City council refused to fly the pride flag at city hall.

But the pride flag went up earlier this month, and hundreds gathered there for the start of the march, eventually walking down University Boulevard on the way to the celebration site at Holland Park.

Aboriginal leaders paid tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting with a shower of feathers, as a symbol of peace and understanding.

“I think it’s just made a stronger resolve for the community to stand up, stand together, recognize that harm to one is harm to all,” said Ewing.