Kelowna RCMP has started a Safe Place program and is already being criticized by the LBGTQ + community.
Photo credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP
February 23, 2021 – 12:01 p.m.
Kelowna RCMP has launched a new program to provide safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ + community. However, the Kelowna Pride Society is concerned that it was not consulted prior to its launch yesterday.
Dustyn Baulkham, general manager of the Pride Society, said while the concept of the program was a good idea, it was carried out without proper advice from members of the LGBTQ + community.
“The problem is we don’t know enough about it. Sometimes, when programs are launched without proper advice and understand the needs of the marginalized community, it can do more harm than good,” Baulkham said. “If we don’t do this.” Knowing how the review process goes, or training someone who is coercive can do a lot of damage if they go to a place they think is safe. ”
He said LGBTQ + businesses were also not consulted, adding that the only person the police spoke to was Kelowna City Councilor Loyal Woolridge.
Coun. Wooldridge, who was an integral part of Kelowna’s LGBTQ + community, said during a council meeting on Feb.22 that he and his company had endorsed the program.
“We hear about the bad things in our community a lot, but there are many caring officials who are running these great initiatives,” said Coun. Said Wooldridge.
The chairman of the board of directors of the Pride Society spoke to the RCMP last night, February 23, and Baulkham, program organizer Const. Robyn Boffy’s intentions are positive, but they wish RCMP had reached out beforehand so they could have the support of his organization.
“One of the biggest problems is that a lot of LGBTQ + people just don’t feel like the RCMP (who provides help). Having their name everywhere, it doesn’t necessarily feel safe,” Baulkham said.
Kelowna RCMP has begun working with local businesses and community groups to bring the Seattle-based program to Kelowna, according to an RCMP media release.
The Safe Place program provides shelter to members of the LGBTQ + community when they feel unsafe, demonstrating that a business is a welcoming place to seek help and safely wait for the police to arrive and help them, said RCMP.
It requires the participation of companies, organizations, schools and other institutions that wish to participate in the program in order to fill out an application form for participation. Once this form is completed, RCMP will provide a Safe Place decal or poster that can be viewed in the front window of the premises.
The program allows the participating premises to be recognized and identified as a safe haven for LGBTQ2S + members if they are crime victims, feel unsafe or in distress, RCMP said. This person is welcomed and supported. If necessary, the police are assisted and they are allowed to stay until officers arrive to assist them.
Kelowna Pride will host a town hall-style meeting over Facebook on February 25th at 7:30 pm to discuss the issue.
Kelowna RCMP could not be reached immediately for comment.
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