For the second time in the span of a week, Airdrie Pride Society's (APS) rainbow pathway in Nose Creek Regional Park was vandalized.
According to a press release from Airdrie RCMP, a black tar-like substance covered with white feathers was reported on the pathway June 26.
"This is the second incident in the past seven days, as last weekend the pathway was also left with offensive graffiti specifically targeting the LGBTQ community," the release stated. "The RCMP take these offences very seriously and are investigating these incidents."
In a statement posted on Facebook June 27, APS said it was "extremely disheartened" so see the rainbow path once again vandalized. Members of the society had repainted the pathway June 22, following the first vandalism incident.
"This is targeted and hateful," the statement said. "Thank you to each and every one of you who has shown the LGBTQ+ [community] love during this difficult time and beyond. Please help us to continue to drown out the hate."
According to APS' statement, its members will continue to repaint the pathway as needed, but doing so costs the group $300 each time, which "takes away from the programming we offer in the community."
After seeing what happened, some individuals stepped up to donate funds toward repainting the pathway. According to APS, donations can be sent to [email protected].
"[The vandalism is] very sad, but we're very engaged and vocal – we know the community is there for us as well," said Rhianne Fiolka, APS' director of fundraising.
City of Airdrie employees were on hand June 27 to power-wash the black substance off the pathway.
According to APS, as of June 29, the society has not set a date to repaint the pathway due to recent rainy weather. It will announce any plans to restore the path on its social media channels.
Meanwhile, RCMP is seeking public assistance to identify suspects.
"If you have any surveillance footage, camera recordings or witnessed any suspicious activity taking place in and around Nose Creek Regional Park between 3 p.m. June 19 [and] 11 a.m. June 20, or between 10 p.m. June 26 [and] 11 a.m. June 27 you are encouraged to contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267," the detachment's release stated.
Those with information about the incident who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
