The RCMP is investigating an incident at Fort Macleod's Centennial Park on August 26, 2023. (Photo 221403449 © Jeff Whyte | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Fort Macleod RCMP investigating second incident connected to Pride events

Aug 29, 2023 | 3:56 PM

FORT MACLEOD, AB – The Fort Macleod RCMP is investigating a case of mischief at a local park.

Police said that on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at around 11:38 p.m., the RCMP was notified of an incident at Centennial Park. It was reported that five male suspects were burning the Pride flag. Fire crews attended the scene to ensure the fire was put out.

The RCMP said it is not known how the flagpole was broken. This was the second incident that targeted events hosted by the Fort Macleod Pride Committee on Saturday.

EMPRESS THEATRE VANDALISM

During a drag show at the Empress Theatre, police said fisher and marten lure oil was poured on the floor of the venue. Two suspects were arrested in connection to this, however, the RCMP cannot name the two due to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The investigation into this is ongoing.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

READ MORE: RCMP investigating vandalism to Fort Macleod’s Empress Theatre during drag event

The Empress Theatre has been temporarily closed until an adjudicator can determine the exact damages.

In a statement dated August 28, 2023, the Town of Fort Macleod said it “condemns these heinous actions unequivocally” and the Town stands “united with the 2SLGBTQ+ community”.

The statement was signed by Fort Macleod mayor Brent Feyter as well as all members of council.

In a news release, the RCMP said it “firmly believes that everyone should feel safe, and be treated with equality and respect.”

The RCMP added, “We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously.”

Anyone with information on the incident at both the Empress Theatre and Centennial Park is asked to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-7220. Those who wish to stay anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

READ MORE: Town of Fort Macleod is “united against hate” following pride vandalisms

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.