Police respond to Halloween decorations that ‘only serve to fuel hatred,’ request Confederate flag be removed

Halloween decorations are the subject of two investigations in Kelowna.

The display includes a confederate flag with an alleged effigy of a person hanging. The homeowner is under investigation by the Kelowna RCMP and City of Kelowna’s bylaw service.

“We have opened an investigation in relation to the circumstances of the effigy and the flag at that location,” Insp. Adam MacIntosh said in a press release.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and are collectively working with city bylaws as to the appropriate course of action. These symbols only serve to fuel hatred and division and such behaviour cannot be tolerated in our community and society.” 

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The hanging effigy had been taken down by the time bylaw officers attended the home. RCMP officers still plan to speak with the person involved and they will request the flag also be removed.

“The City of Kelowna is encouraged and grateful to the RCMP for following up on this terrible public display,” Mayor Colin Basran said in the press release. “There’s no place in Kelowna for this kind of racist imagery, which is hurtful to people of colour and all who cherish an inclusive community.”

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