LGBTQS+ campground pleas for municipal support
Delegation leads to a tense exchange between councillors and organizers.
The controversial Lavigne campground, Foxhaven, made a formal presentation to council this week. The goal of the presentation was to seek municipal support to operate their various pride-related events.
Campground owner, Ryan Jackson and fellow organizer Jason Maclennan made their pitch despite being at odds with the other local LGBTQS+ group, West Nipissing Pride.
They indicated that they have received grants in the past and to get more opportunities, it would help to have a formal endorsement from the municipality.
During his presentation Jackson noted that radio and television stations have been talking about his campground’s events. He said that they are talking about “West Nipissing being a place that has a groundbreaking type of event.”
Maclennan referenced the famous quote from Pierre Elliott Trudeau that “government has no business in the bedroom of adults”. He did not seem to see the irony of such a statement during a presentation where he was asking the municipal government to make this campground “their business”.
He added that “sex positivity whatever their choices are between consenting adults is their business”. Maclennan ended his original pitch by asking council to “imagine what is possible” (if they supported this campground). Think of the tourism dollars you can bring to the community.”
The first councillor to speak up was Kaitlynn Nicol who voiced that after researching the campground in question, she did not think that the events being hosted were family friendly. She noted that the campground hosts events that cater to ageplayers (Little Boy Scouts Camp and Toddlerfest), a subset of the LGBTQS+ community whereas adults seek others who identify as toddlers.
Maclennan acknowledged these events but pushed back and said “Let’s be real. These communities exist regardless of if we agree with them or not”. Jackson added that they are trying to do something for both families and the community as a whole.
Councillor George Pharand who is gay and shared this with the group had some sharp criticism and tough questions for them. First he asked them if they had received any support from West Nipissing Pride. Jackson said that they have emailed the organization but have not heard back yet. When Pharand pressed about the lack of endorsement from that group last year, Maclennan seemed frustrated and said “we don’t require their endorsement”.
Pharand echoed councillor Nicol and said the community has one pride organization and they do an excellent job. He opined that as a gay man himself, he would not be comfortable attending the events at the campground. He added “I wouldn’t recommend that the municipality offer it’s support. I see it as a private event at a private campground and I wish you all the best.”
While the only LGBTQS+ identifying member of council raised serious concerns and opposed the request, some councillors still offered support.
Councillor Kris Rivard who has frequently boasted as being an “ally of the pride movement” during his political career, offered his support for the group.
Even though the group is not supported by the official local pride group, Rivard stated “I wish you success. It’s nice to have people feel safe in their bodies and where they are.”
Mayor Kathleen Thorne-Rochon ended the discussion by agreeing with Rivard. She thanked the group for their “efforts in making West Nipissing inclusive for everyone and making a place for everybody to belong.”.
Formal vote coming soon
Thorne-Rochon noted that council would not be voting on the matter officially that night. She said that a formal vote on offering a letter of support would occur at a future meeting. As was reported earlier this year, when a request for municipal support was sought in 2023 from this same group, Thorne-Rochon broke procedural bylaw and offered a letter of support as mayor because council was split on doing so during internal emails.
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I am appalled that they would even consider such a request. Their sex crazed activities should remain private and in their campground only. There are a lot more important issues like the Homeless in our area to look at.
Very well said Dee, wake up and support the needy, instead of things that belong in the closet. There is so much that could be done for the young around here, the homeless, etc.
Maybe there would be less drugs if the young had something better to do, with a little help from our local government.