City of Powell River councillors have voted to make a public statement including references to the removal of the Pride flag from the city’s flagpole in June.
At the August 17 city council meeting, councillors heard from a three-person delegation. The first delegate to speak, Smith, said the delegation’s presence signified the intent to bridge the communication gap between the city’s leaders and the LGBTQ+ community.
Smith indicated that the Pride flag had been vandalized in June.
“Replacing the flag is commendable, yet it is vital to address the subsequent silence in advocacy,” said Smith. “People of qathet/Powell River deserve transparency about hate crimes in your stance. Our safety hangs in the balance.”
Smith indicated that following correspondence sent to the mayor, city council and RCMP, regarding the incident, there was silence. Smith said raising a pride flag is an educational opportunity, promoting understanding of marginalized histories.
Smith added that support from North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney and Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons is undeniable, but the city’s advocacy seems inconspicuous.
Laurance Playford-Beaudet said he was appearing as the relational coordinator of the Trans qathet program in the community.
“Trans qathet’s role holds a distinct significance in the rural, remote and isolated setting of qathet Regional District, where challenges faced by transgender individuals are amplified,” said Playford-Beaudet. “The perils of being trans in such an environment are highlighted by alarming statistics on transgender suicide rates in Canada.”
Playford-Beaudet said by offering essential peer support, Trans qathet directly addresses misconceptions and violence often imposed on transgender individuals. By creating a refuge, Trans qathet provides a space where individuals can find solace, understanding and the necessary tools to navigate challenges.
“Our aim is to cultivate a harmonious environment without resorting to divisive narrative,” said Playford-Beaudet. “Ultimately, our focus is to establish a sense of security and belonging for everyone in qathet Regional District.
“Trans individuals are not making a political statement by simply wanting to live their lives with respect and dignity. Being trans is an inherent aspect of who a person is.”
Another delegate, Jules, got hold of city staff at the beginning of June and asked when the flag raising for Pride month would be.
“That led to working with staff to get a flag and getting it raised,” said Jules. “I want to acknowledge staff for how quickly that came about.
“I was also in close correspondence when the flag was cut down and thrown that night in June and working to replace the flag. I assumed there would be some public acknowledgement that this happened. It didn’t cross my mind that the city wouldn’t say something publicly.”
Jules asked city council to consider making a public statement about what happened during Pride month.
The delegation had a series of recommendations for council. Short-term actions included a public statement and acknowledgement regarding recent hate crimes and incidents targeting the local LGBTQ+ community. Other short-term requests included community workshops and training, and enhanced police engagement.
Long-term actions include inclusive city policies and bylaws, safe spaces and support networks, and LGBTQ+ youth programs.
Councillors' comments
City councillor Cindy Elliott thanked the delegates for bringing to council’s attention the impacts of the silence of city hall regarding the incident.
“I offer solidarity and support for your community and I hope we do better in the future,” said Elliott.
Councillor Trina Isakson said she’d had the pleasure of attending a Trans qathet workshop last year during Pride week.
“The way your group does the training is fantastic, Laurance, in the sense that you meet people where they are at,” said Isakson. “It would be helpful for council and staff over time to understand more components. We’re limited by our experiences, so sometimes we don’t know how our actions might impact others.”
Councillor Jim Palm said when the incident around the flag took place, all of council was emailed and all were aware that the incident had happened.
“I am sure, since we are supportive of all our residents, that we are in full support and we will back you up 100 per cent,” said Palm. “We’re very sorry that happened.”
Councillor George Doubt said it was regrettable that the city did not make an announcement that the flag had been taken down from the flagpole. He said the main issue was to communicate council’s support of inclusiveness in the community, the need for it to be a safe community for everyone, and to point out that the city deplores actions such as the removal of the Pride flag.
Council voted unanimously to direct staff to work with the mayor to put out a public statement regarding council’s support of an inclusive community and to include reference about the removal of the Pride flag.
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