By Josh Hall

Mounties say they're ready

Organizers meet with Red Deer RCMP ahead of peace rally on Sunday

Oct 2, 2020 | 3:55 PM

Organizers of a peace rally planned for this Sunday in Red Deer are hoping to avoid a repeat of last month when violence broke out after a group of agitators showed up.

Callum Daniels with Black and Indigenous Alliance Alberta says that after he and a co-organizer met Thursday with Red Deer RCMP, there is confidence Sunday’s Peace Walk will go off without a hitch.

“I’m feeling very positive about our conversation. We discussed what we could do if agitators or hate groups did arrive, and they’re willing to barricade the area to separate them from us. Because we’re marching down the streets, police also say they will be barricading the streets with police vehicles where we’re marching,” says Daniels. “They’re essentially closing down the core area so no vehicles or parking will be allowed.”

Daniels added that RCMP wouldn’t take a firm stance on hate speech during their discussion, but “Given the positivity of the conversation, it’s not as much of a concern because RCMP is so willing to help. It wasn’t that way last time.”

The Red Deer Peace Walk is scheduled to begin at Coronation Park at 3 p.m., with a march to City Hall Park going at 3:30 p.m.

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“We want the event to be completely intersectional. We’re inviting dancers, drummers and members of the Pride community,” Daniels says. “What happened on Sunday, September 20 does not represent the people of Red Deer, or the people of Alberta. I believe Red Deer is a beautiful city, full of people from many different cultures and traditions.”

“We are prepared for a planned demonstration. We will have adequate resources in place to deal with whatever should occur. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that we can maintain public order during the event,” Red Deer RCMP S/Sgt. Marlene Brown tells rdnewsNOW. “It is our goal to ensure that we allow for a proper assembly of people to say what they want to say. We are there to preserve the peace and property, and to enforce any violations we come across.”

RCMP confirm they are aware of another event planned for Coronation Park on Sunday, billed on social media as a ‘Patriot Convoy and Potluck,’ slated to start at 1 p.m.

Mayor Tara Veer issued a statement Friday afternoon ahead of the two events planned for Sunday.

“The City of Red Deer and local RCMP are aware that demonstrations are scheduled in our community over the weekend. While The City upholds Canada’s constitutionally protected rights to peacefully assemble, I want to strongly reiterate that we do not accept or condone any level of violence or racism in our city,” the statement reads.

“In addition, The City respectfully reminds all residents and visitors to Red Deer, who may be gathering in our city over the weekend, to adhere to and uphold all current public health orders that remain in place at this time.

“Red Deer RCMP attend demonstrations to preserve peace and enforce the law. They will be in attendance at the demonstrations over the weekend,” the statement concluded.

Mayor Veer has not indicated whether she plans to attend the Peace Walk on Sunday.

City councillors Buck Buchanan and Dianne Wyntjes have indicated on social media that they plan to attend.

Daniels says the office of Justice Minister Kaycee Madu has indicated to him that they may also send someone to attend.

There are community discussions on racism happening elsewhere this weekend, including Saturday at 1:30 on the Lacombe Memorial Centre grounds, Sunday at noon in Wetaskiwin, and then Sunday as well at the Sisters in Spirit Day March and Vigil in Calgary.