Vandals have caused damage and stolen flags from Powell River City Hall, which disrupted a pride flag ceremony for Pride Month.
Donna Gillenardo-Goudreau, president of qathet Pride Society, said this is not the first time there has been vandalism before a pride event.
“Last year, flags were stolen, and we also had paint spilled on the rainbow stairs at the church across the road,” said Gillenardo-Goudreau. “This is a continued issue in a series of events that have happened.
“It’s concerning that it has happened for the past few years and it seems like nothing is really changing. I’d love to find out who it was. I’m glad the city potentially has some video, so maybe they can figure out who is causing the issue.”
Gillenardo-Goudreau said the pride society remains undeterred and will continue to plan pride events.
“We are not going to stop having our events and being in the community,” said Gillenardo-Goudreau. “However, it is definitely concerning.”
There was supposed to be a pride flag raising ceremony at city hall on June 2, but with the damage to the flagpole, the event did not go ahead as scheduled. Gillenardo-Goudreau said as soon as the city lets the pride society know it has all the pieces back in place, there will definitely be a pride flag raising ceremony.
The cutting of the flagpole ropes and theft of the flags at city hall is deeply concerning, stated councillor George Doubt, who is the current acting mayor, in a written statement.
“Acts of vandalism like this go against the values of respect that we strive to uphold in our community,” stated Doubt. “The city has filed a police report, is actively investigating this matter, and encourages anyone with information to come forward. We are pleased that we were still able to host a pride event at city hall without the use of the flagpole.”
Gillenardo-Goudreau said there are members of the LGBTQIA+ community who feel threatened and fearful. She said in addition to the vandalism, there have been some negative comments about the community on social media.
“There’s been some kickback for some of our events, and that is kind of to be expected, which is a shame to say, but it is scary when you live in such a tight-knit community,” said Gillenardo-Goudreau. “It could be people we know or interact with who are doing these things, and that’s a shame.”
Gillenardo-Goudreau said qathet Pride Society has several hundred members, with a board consisting of 12 people. There are members of the society who are not LGBTQIA+, known as allies.
“We have some allies who have been really great and instrumental,” said Gillenardo-Gourdreau. “It’s fantastic to have them. We have a lot of support. The city councillors have been fantastic and the RCMP have been supportive, so we are very lucky.”
Gillenardo-Goudreau said there are several events planned for the coming months, including some swims at Powell River Recreation Complex, a meet-up at Mowat Bay beach, and the big pride celebration will be taking place on July 19, with the organization’s second annual parade. There will also be pride in the park on that day.
Gillenardo-Goudreau said qathet Pride Society represents a broad spectrum of the community, with business owners, people who work for nonprofits for community members, and other key positions.
“We are not going anywhere,” said Gillenardo-Goudreau.
According to Powell River RCMP, on June 3, a report was received that three flags that were flying at city hall, along with ropes and hardware, were stolen from the flagpole sometime over the weekend.
Police stated in a media release that the theft included the Canadian flag, the BC flag and the City of Powell River flag. It also rendered the flagpole inoperable until the ropes and hardware can be replaced. The investigation is ongoing, according to police.
Powell River RCMP has asked that anyone with video surveillance in that area, or information about this crime, call local police at 604.485.6255, or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 to remain anonymous. Information can also be shared at bccrimestoppers.com.
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