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
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.