An organizer from the Edmonton Pride Festival disclosed that a bomb threat targeted this weekend’s parade and expressed support for the police presence at the event. The festival’s executive producer, Trevor Watson, revealed at a press briefing on Tuesday that a local NDP MLA had reported a threatening call to the police several weeks ago.
Watson acknowledged the diverse perceptions of safety among individuals and recognized concerns raised about the police presence at the festival. He emphasized that measures taken for protection could evoke fear or distress in some members of the community.
The specific MLA’s office that received the threat was not confirmed by the Edmonton Pride Festival or the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). Sean Amato, director of communications for Alberta’s New Democrat caucus, mentioned that credible security threats are reported to the legislative assembly’s sergeant-at-arms for investigation.
Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine stated that EPS’s hate crimes unit investigated the threat and deemed it non-credible. Despite this, she highlighted the impact of such threats on causing fear and concern.
Watson explained the festival’s decision-making process in response to the threat and the concerns raised. He addressed the miscommunication and misinformation leading to the withdrawal of some 2SLGBTQ+ groups from the event due to discomfort with the planned police presence.
Changes in safety protocols were made following the bomb threat, focusing on enhanced security measures without prior notice to prevent community fear. The festival organizers stated that EPS presence was essential for public safety and law enforcement during large-scale events.
Some community members, including two-spirit vendor Jo-Mary Crowchild Fletcher, expressed concerns about the police force’s history and the festival’s response. Watson extended apologies for any miscommunication and assured a mediation process in the future to address community feedback.
The news conference highlighted the safety concerns faced by the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, emphasizing the need for collaboration between EPS and the festival to ensure community safety. Data from the Edmonton police commission underscored an increase in hate crimes targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community in recent years.
City officials reported a rising trend in hate crimes and incidents against the 2SLGBTQ+ community between 2020 and 2025, reinforcing the importance of addressing safety issues within these communities.