Police investigating Halloween display

• RCMP investigation Halloween display
• House had images of a confederate flag and hanging effigy
• Effigy has been removed

Update: RCMP confirmed the offending flag had been removed after they spoke with the property owner.

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Kelowna RCMP and the City of Kelowna are investigating after reports of a house that was decorated for Halloween with a confederate flag and hanging effigy.

The public has come forward with complaints and images on social media initially showed what appeared to be an effigy of a Black person hanging from a tree with a noose around its neck. Those images have since been removed from social media. Also, a confederate flag was displayed on the North End neighbourhood home.

“We have opened an investigation in relation to the circumstances of the effigy and the flag at that location,” Kelowna RCMP Inspector Adam MacIntosh said in a media release.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and are collectively working with City By-Laws as to the appropriate course of action. These symbols only serve to fuel hatred and division and such behaviour cannot be tolerated in our community and society.”

When bylaws officers attended the house, the alleged effigy had been removed. RCMP officers will speak with the homeowner about the display and will request the flag also be removed.

The Mayor of Kelowna, Colin Basran, also commented on the situation in the media release.

“The City of Kelowna is encouraged and grateful to the RCMP for following up on this terrible public display,” Basran said.

“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.”