Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne told fellow runners in the Pride and Remembrance Run Saturday morning that the LGBTQ community needs to "continue to be vigilant" about their hard fought rights.
"We are a peaceful, loving people. That's what Pride is about," she said. "We've come a long way, 10 years since same-sex marriage in this country [was] legalized, but the fact is our rights and privileges are precious and we have to guard them. We have to not assume that we'll always have them because there are so many places in the world that don't."
Wynne was among more than 1,200 runners who took part in the Pride and Remembrance Run on Saturday morning. Participants either ran 5K or walked 3K.
The event raised more than $90,000 in support of three community organizations: Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives, Planned Parenthood of Toronto and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation.
The premier -- who completed the run with a time of 26:52 -- was joined at the event by spouse Jane Rounthwaite and her children.
"This is my 17th or 18th run," she said as she was met with a round of applause at the post-run rally. "It's a thrill. My son and I used to run this... and now I've got my grandbabies running."
Security was increased at the event after two media outlets received what police are calling threats of "hate-motivated occurrence."
Police continue to investigate the matter. Pride organizers assured attendees that events will go on as scheduled.
Women and trans people in the LGBTQ community took over the streets for the annual Dyke March Saturday afternoon. The event serves as a political demonstration geared toward resisting stereotypes while strengthening the lesbian community.
On Sunday, Pride Week culminates in the 33rd annual Pride Parade beginning at 2 p.m. at the corner of Bloor and Church. Regarded as one of the world's largest Pride events, the 'SUPERQUEER'-themed parade celebrates diversity among locals and visitors.
Wynne has announced she will also attend the parade, making history as the first openly-gay and sitting premier to do so.
"I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend," Wynne said at the Pride and Remembrance Run. "It's going to be a great parade and I look forward to marching with all of you tomorrow."
Pride Toronto estimates that more than 1.2 million people will attend the festivities this year.
Road closures
Below are the major event routes and road closures in the city.
Saturday, June 29
Pride and Remembrance Run: Wellesley St. E between Jarvis St. and Queen's Park from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Dyke March Route: Church St. and Hayden St., going north to Bloor St., west on Bloor St. to Yonge St., south on Yonge St. to Carlton St., east on Carlton St. to Allen Gardens from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 30
Pride Parade Route: west on Bloor St. from Church St., south on Yonge St. from Bloor St. to Dundas St. E, east on Dundas St. E from Yonge St. to Church from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Click here for a full list of weekend road closures.