BONNYVILLE – RCMP confirm that they are aware of a private property in the MD of Bonnyville that has swastikas prominently displayed in public view.
While photos of the property with the swastikas began circulating online as early as Oct. 2, Alberta RCMP Media Relations Manager Fraser Logan states the RCMP first learned about the situation following a media inquiry.
“We did not get any complaint directly from a member of the public,” Logan told Lakeland This Week.
A tip from media brought the concern to the RCMP’s attention but Logan emphasized that if residents see anything that may be hate-related to reach out to local police.
“We are approaching the property owner to discuss what is frankly, in our minds, inappropriate and disgusting iconography and symbols,” stated Logan.
Images and flags donning swastika iconography are widely recognized as a symbol for Nazi and neo-Nazis ideology.
However, because the symbols are located on an individual’s private property, the RCMP media relations manager noted, "Generally speaking, to display these symbols – that is not criminal.”
This is not the first instance that Alberta RCMP has responded to public concerns over such symbols being intentionally displayed on private property.
In the spring of 2021, RCMP responded to two other incidences, said Logan. One in Athabasca County near Boyle and another in Brazeau County near Breton where Hitler Youth flags bearing the swastika symbol were displayed.
“We always like to have had discussions with individuals who are putting this up [because] maybe they don't understand exactly what they're putting up. That has actually been a case in the past,” he stated.
“It's not for the public to parse what they see as criminal or not. If it's a concern for them – it's a concern for us. So, if you see something that you feel is hate motivated, please let us know.”
Speaking to Lakeland This Week, MD of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski shared that he had not been aware of a property displaying swastikas symbols.
“I'm disappointed, that's not right,” he said, adding that he will be looking into the matter further.
