RCMP have granted permission for the Steinbach Pride March to walk down the street.

The group’s application was initially denied due to safety concerns.

On Tuesday, Steinbach Pride announced they had changed their route because of the “overwhelming response”.

The group says they initially expected around 200 people to attend, but more than 1,000 people have pledged on Facebook to attend the march.

The new route will begin at E.A. Friesen Park and head to city hall.

Steinbach Pride said RCMP have helped them with safe planning, and they will be in charge of all security for the march.

Manitoba RCMP ‘D’ Division commanding officer Scott Kolody has pledged to attend the march. Several Steinbach politicians, including Provencher MP Ted Falk and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen, have said they won’t attend.

Steinbach city council declined to officially endorse the event, releasing a statement saying, “Steinbach residents will decide for themselves whether they wish to attend this event.”