An official from the Edmonton Pride Festival disclosed that a bomb threat targeted this weekend’s parade and affirmed the organization’s stance on the police presence during the event.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Trevor Watson, the festival’s executive producer, mentioned that a local NDP MLA had informed the police weeks ago about a threatening call received at their office regarding the parade.
Watson emphasized the diverse experiences of safety and acknowledged concerns raised about the level of police presence at the festival, recognizing that safety measures can evoke different reactions among attendees.
The Edmonton Pride Festival and the Edmonton Police Service did not disclose which MLA’s office received the threat, stating that credible security threats relating to public events are escalated to the legislative assembly’s sergeant-at-arms for investigation.
Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine confirmed that the EPS’ hate crimes unit investigated the threat and deemed it not credible, although she acknowledged the impact it had on causing fear and concern.
The festival faced criticism as several 2SLGBTQ+ groups withdrew from participation due to safety concerns and discomfort with the anticipated police presence, citing historical issues, racial profiling fears, and past police responses in the city.
Watson clarified that despite social media claims, the festival did not announce a significant police deployment but implemented revised safety protocols in response to the bomb threat, including additional security measures like searching for potential hazards and managing traffic flow.
He expressed regret for any miscommunication and emphasized the need to involve EPS for public safety compliance, pointing out that changing legislation is the proper avenue for addressing concerns rather than violating existing laws.
EPS clarified that while it is not mandatory for events to have police presence, it is crucial for large-scale gatherings to ensure immediate access to trained officers for maintaining public safety and addressing potential threats.
A vendor who withdrew from the festival shared their concerns about the lack of understanding and compassion in addressing community apprehensions, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and healing to move forward.
Watson apologized for any confusion in communicating safety changes to parade participants and attendees, expressing regret to those who felt unwelcome or anxious, and pledged to engage in a mediation process with community groups for future planning.
Both EPS and the Edmonton Pride Festival addressed the safety worries within the 2SLGBTQ+ communities at a recent news conference, citing data indicating a rise in hate crimes targeting this group in the city.
City officials confirmed an upward trend in hate crimes against the 2SLGBTQ+ community between 2020 and 2025, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance safety and inclusivity.