Police investigating Halloween display with Confederate flag, hanging effigy in B.C. city
Warning: This story contains an image of the hanging effigy.
VANCOUVER -- Authorities have taken the unusual step of investigating a Halloween display after a Kelowna, B.C., home was allegedly decorated with a Confederate flag and hanging effigy.
The incident prompted a statement from Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, who thanked the city's RCMP detachment for opening an investigation into the "terrible public display."
"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," Basran said.
Kelowna RCMP said a separate investigation has also been launched by city bylaw officers. The alleged effigy had been removed by the time bylaw officers visited the home, but the Confederate flag had not.
Authorities said they'll be asking the person responsible for the display to remove the flag as well once they make contact.
"We are taking this incident extremely seriously and are collectively working with city bylaws as to the appropriate course of action," RCMP Insp. Adam MacIntosh said in a statement. "These symbols only serve to fuel hatred and division and such behaviour cannot be tolerated in our community and society."
Kelowna RCMP did not indicate whether the display may have violated any laws, and has not responded to a request for comment from CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.