Take Back the Night starts in Carleton Place and ends at Parliament Hill this year.
For nearly 20 years, Carleton Place has hosted one of Canada’s most well-attended rural Take Back the Night marches, and this September 18, residents are encouraged to join again.
The event starts at 5 p.m. at Town Hall Square Park behind Carleton Place Town Hall with a brief vigil and remarks. Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee says it’s a bit different this year.
At 5:30 p.m., participants will march down Bridge Street to Lake Avenue to take a free bus to Parliament Hill where the group will share common concerns realted to funding for crucial services for women and gender-diverse people who have been victims of violence.
Marchers not taking the bus can return to the park to continue locally. Lee says that local connection is vital.
Take Back the Night calls for women’s right to walk safely and demands action against violence. Lee says it can also offer a unique, and safe, opportunity for past victims of violence.
Organizers highlight rising intimate partner violence and proposed federal wage cuts for women’s programs.
Attendees are asked to wear purple.
The bus is free, but riders are asked to reserve a spot here.