KELOWNA, B.C. — The mayor of a city in B.C.'s picturesque Okanagan Valley has turned an insult into his own proud, tongue-in-cheek persona.
Colin Basran, now known as Kelowna's "Sugarplum Mayor," is working with the city's Young Professionals Collective to host a Sugarplum Ball on July 9 to show support for the region's LGBTQ community.
The event comes one year after the city installed a rainbow crosswalk at a downtown intersection in an effort to promote inclusion.
But while the crosswalk had unanimous support from city council, it gained unexpected backlash from a few residents.
In an online forum, one community member referred to "Mayor Sugarplum" in an effort to insult Basran for supporting the installation of the crosswalk. The comment had the opposite effect.
"I actually found it kind of funny and I kind of liked it," Basran said.
Recognizing the opportunity to increase support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, Basran said the Okanagan Pride Society approached him with the idea of hosting a Sugarplum Ball.
MORE National ARTICLES
Sen. Patrick Brazeau In Critical But Stable Condition After Surgery
Brazeau, 41, was admitted to hospital in Hull early Tuesday morning, according to a brief statement issued by the western Quebec centre.
Sen. Patrick Brazeau In Critical But Stable Condition After Surgery
Top Echelon Of Military Shuffled As Liberals Retools Canadian ISIL Mission
The country's top military commander, Gen. Jonathan Vance, has announced the annual series of promotions and retirements among the top brass of the armed forces.
Top Echelon Of Military Shuffled As Liberals Retools Canadian ISIL Mission
Age Not A Consideration As NDP Leader Tom Mulcair Eyes 2019 Election
Tom Mulcair may be 17 years older than Justin Trudeau, but he's not about to let his age keep him from leading the New Democrats into the 2019 election.
Age Not A Consideration As NDP Leader Tom Mulcair Eyes 2019 Election
Jury Weighing Fate Of Toronto Police Officer James Forcillo Who Shot Teen On Empty Streetcar
Const. James Forcillo has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in the death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim.
Jury Weighing Fate Of Toronto Police Officer James Forcillo Who Shot Teen On Empty Streetcar
New Ontario University Program Hopes To Boost Number Of Aboriginal Teachers
Cathy Bruce, interim dean of education at Trent University, says the school will offer an indigenous bachelor of education degree program.
New Ontario University Program Hopes To Boost Number Of Aboriginal Teachers
Plunging Loonie Could Be Boon For Startups Seeking Venture Capital
Industry watchers say the tumbling loonie is a blessing in disguise when it comes to Canadian startups and the innovation economy as U.S. venture capitalists look to make their investments go further.