Town of Altona releases statement regarding Pride event this weekend

Update Friday, June 7th at 1:24 p.m. - For the second time the Town of Altona will be the host community of the Pembina Valley Pride March and Rally on Saturday in Altona Park.

In light of word from organizers that food trucks will no longer be part of the event due to threats being levelled against those indicated as participating in a previously published online list, the Town has issued the following statement:

“The Town of Altona is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their background or identities. Hate speech and threats of violence have no place in our community.

This event has the support of Town of Altona Council, and we continue to stand by our motto which states that Altona strives to be a progressive, sustainable, competitive, attractive, and safe community for all.

The Altona Police Service is dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of every resident and visitor of Altona. They are aware of these threats, and they will be closely monitoring the area.”

Altona Police Chief Dan Defer, in a statement provided to PembinaValleyOnline, added,

"As was the case in the last Pride event in Altona, police will be present, and will be available should the need arise. We will continue to monitor social media, as well, the organizers of the event are in contact with us in relation to any threats or messaging they receive."

Meanwhile, the Altona Elks have announced its member will be stepping in to provide food services on site at Altona Park on Saturday. Elks member Guy Mullen contacted PembinaValleyOnline Friday afternoon to share the news.

"Our members stepped forward, and are going to be doing a little charity BBQ with hot dogs, drinks and chips." he explained. "We're doing this because we think love and kindness is more important than hate. This has always been our thought. Elks stand for equality, love and kindness and service. That's our model E-L-K-S, equality, love, kindness, service."

Mullen indicated all the money raised from the BBQ go to a children's charity.