Nanaimo's Pride Mural: A Whole Vibe Check Downtown 🌈✨

The Deets

Okay, so Nanaimo just went and did a thing. They finished this massive Pride mural right at the intersection of Commercial and Bastion streets. It’s not just paint, tho, they went all out with plastic tiles that are supposed to be, like, super resistant. They built it over three days, which is kinda a flex.

The 2025 Nanaimo Pride parade was straight-up iconic. We're talking a record-breaking 65 entries! The parade lowkey went right over the new mural, making it a main character in the festivities.

The mayor was like, "Yo, we wanted to make a statement that’s not just cute but, like, actually lasts." They were aiming for something bigger, bolder, and more attractive, which is fair. Apparently, they also have another Pride mural that's a twin to one in Season 2 of The Last of Us (filmed on Skinner Street!), which HBO paid for. So, that’s kinda iconic too.

Now, here's where it gets a little spicy. Some Pride societies in Canada are dealing with sponsors dipping out. But Nanaimo Pride Society is all about that grassroots life, working with local businesses, orgs, and union chapters. No cap, that's the way to do it.

And the people? They're feeling it! Everyone at the parade was hyping up the new mural, calling it inclusive and beautiful. Pride events followed the parade at Maffeo Sutton Park. All in all, it's a major W for Nanaimo.

Oh, and the tea? This whole thing cost nearly $120K. Some might say it's boujee, but if it spreads the love, maybe it's worth the splurge?

Word is, with the way this bussin' rainbow intersection was designed with thermoplastic tiles melted onto the road with a radiant heater, it should last for 20-30 years! Just needs a lil' annual cleaning and it'll be set! They even threw in corundum so nobody slips!

They even got all the deets right from Gilbert Baker’s original flag to Monica Helms' transgender flag, and A.J. Hikes' "more color, more pride" flag! Yessss!