Upper Canada, Hillcrest Malls celebrating Pride Month

Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall are once again partnering with York Pride to bring community events to York Region in celebration of Pride Month.

This is the third year the shopping centers have joined forces with York Pride as official community partners, making a $10,000 donation to commemorate the partnership.

In 2025, York Pride will celebrate its 25th anniversary and is strengthening community partnerships that support and amplify the organization’s commitment to representation, such as those with Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall. This year, York Pride is prioritizing accessibility, launching a space with few festival sensibilities and accessible viewing spaces.

“Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall have been devoted community partners, sharing York Pride’s values ​​of compassion, respect and understanding,” says Jacob Gal, director of operations at York Pride. “Collaborating with shopping centers has allowed us to create a dialogue in a space where guests eat, shop and celebrate, proving that Pride can be for anyone of all ages.”

“Our partnership with York Pride ensures that everyone who enters our malls feels represented during Pride Month and beyond, sparking conversations about visibility and inclusion,” says Ryan Da Silva, Upper Canada and Hillcrest’s director and general manager Mall. “This collaboration strengthens our role as a community resource and meeting place for fostering awareness, compassion and diversity in the region.”

Upper Canada Mall will host events on June 8-9 from noon to 5pm at Market Court, and Hillcrest Mall events will be held on June 22 from noon to 5pm at Center Court, bookending the York holidays Pride on June 15. Festivities will include a photo wall, a gumball machine where gumballs feature keywords to spark conversations, face painting and friendship bracelet making. Representatives from York Pride will be on site to share resources with the community.

You can find more information on the websites of the malls: