As  gay man, I remember the first Pride Parade in Calgary in 1991. Many of us wore masks. There were no cheering crowds or corporate sponsors on hand- only hostile religious protesters, one of whom set their Rottweiler against us (the owner was arrested). The Mayor received death threats for supporting the event, and the whole thing was a huge controversy in the media. 

Now, the Calgary Parade is one of the biggest festivals in Alberta, attracting more than 60,000 people each year. What makes this event so popular is the fact that EVERYONE is included and welcome to attend.  I would have hoped that the Toronto Parade, which has been going on much longer than Calgary's, would recognize the importance of inclusion more than anyone. It seems to me that Toronto Pride has allowed themselves to be intimidated by the agenda of one group, and that is not a good message to send to the country.