About Pride Halton
A volunteer-run, not-for-profit 2SLGBTQIA+ community organization serving the Halton Region — Milton, Burlington, Oakville & Georgetown/Halton Hills.
Our Story
Pride Halton — formerly known as PRISM Halton — advocates for and supports the 2SLGBTQIA+ community across the Halton Region, including Milton, Burlington, Oakville, and Georgetown. Through events like the annual Pride Halton Parade and Pride in the Park, and ongoing PRIDE365 community programs, we promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and build a stronger, more vibrant community.
What started as a bold vision to create visibility and belonging has grown into one of the region's most anticipated summer events. Pride Halton is built on community participation, grassroots energy, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and proud.
Pride Halton Founder Talks Evolution of Her Group
When Pride Halton founder Melanie Tremills moved to Canada from the UK eighteen years ago, she noticed a startling similarity between Halton and her first home: there weren't enough safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and community members.
Melanie Tremills shares how she moved from the UK to Canada, created PRISM — now Pride Halton — and built Halton's only Pride parade from a Facebook group for queer youth.
Our Team & Board
The dedicated volunteers who make Pride Halton happen.
Melanie Tremills
she/her
Founder & Executive Director
Started Prism (which became Pride Halton) because she felt the need for a community where 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, especially youth, could connect in the Halton region. Deeply passionate about creating safe spaces for young people and fostering community. Received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her work through Prism. Moved to Canada from the UK 18 years ago and now works with children as an educational assistant.
Matthew George
he/him
Chair of the Board
Joined Pride Halton in 2024 to help empower members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Professional background spans marketing, digital marketing, SEO, and graphic design; currently a consultant for an agency. Proud husband of 20 years, pet dad, and foster carer.
Brookelynn Dean
she/her
Board Member and Events Committee Lead
Organizes events for the community; joined Pride Halton in 2023 to engage with local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and build meaningful connections. Passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive community. Currently a jewelry sales associate.
Monique Cocco
Board Member and Logistics Lead
Joined Pride Halton in 2024 to help create inclusive spaces and activities for all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. She previously served as a committee Co-Chair for Habitat for Humanity Mississauga and has actively participated on many housing build projects in Mississauga, Georgetown and internationally via the Global Village program. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience leading programs, managing change, and developing high-performing teams, she brings strategic leadership and a collaborative approach to her nonprofit work. Monique is dedicated to creating opportunities that strengthen communities and help people thrive.
Fred Pritchard
Treasurer
Joined Pride Halton to push back against rising hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Retired FCPA, FCGA with 29+ years across manufacturing, property management, and professional services. Fred has a 20+ year history of volunteering in the community with past roles including leadership roles with his Accounting Association, treasurer roles at the Refugee Information Centre, Toronto Counselling Centre for Gays and Lesbians, the Toronto LGBTQ Community Appeal and a local non profit tennis club. Currently Fred also volunteers as a resident care volunteer at a local hospice.
Hollie Jolicoeur
she/her
Board Member
Active in the Milton community for over 15 years with a strong passion for inclusivity. Joined Pride Halton to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and foster inclusivity for marginalized groups. Background in education, training, and advocacy. Registered member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 136 and works professionally in the senior service sector.
Jeevan Bhatti
Board Member and Operations Lead
After finding a true sense of belonging and community through Pride Halton in 2026, Jeevan joined the board to help foster that same safety and support for local 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Jeevan pairs a personal passion for community care with over 12 years of operational support and event planning experience, alongside certified training in peer support and Emotional First Aid.
Emma Lupinacci
Board Member and Community Engagement Lead
Emma is a Librarian who is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can connect and feel a sense of belonging. Through her work in public libraries and community services, she has developed meaningful programs for children, youth, and families, and believes strongly in the power of community to support and uplift one another. Emma is proud to contribute to initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster connection, and strengthen communities across Halton.
Jean-David (JD) Boisvert
Board Member
JD is a proud 2SLGBTQ+ community member, Francophone, and Milton resident. His journey through adoption and fostering to build his family has shown him just how powerful it is to feel seen, accepted, and truly at home. Outside of Pride Halton, JD works in the federal public service, specializing in internal communications, project and event management, and change management.
Get Involved
Pride Halton is built on community participation. Early involvement helps us create the strongest event possible. Here are the ways you can be part of it.
March in the Parade
Community organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to walk with us.
RegisterOpen Volunteer Roles
We're recruiting for Volunteer Coordinator, Marketing & Communications Lead, and Board Member.
View RolesFor all inquiries, applications, and questions about getting involved, reach out to Pride Halton:
info@pridehalton.com