Progress Pride Flag cut down in Delta, police investigating

An investigation is underway after someone cut down the Progress Pride Flag at Delta City Hall early Wednesday.

The Progress Pride Flag has been raised at the start of June for Pride Month for the last four years but was discovered to have been cut down sometime between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

In a statement, Mayor George Harvie says he is incredibly disturbed and disappointed by the actions of the vandal.

“Hate has no place in our community and I will not tolerate it. Delta Council and I stand firmer than ever with our LGBTQ2S+ community and are proud of the beautiful Pride rainbow banners that continue to stand strong all across Delta. Love will always win over hate,” Harvie said.

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The Delta Pride Society wrote on social media that its members are “saddened that there are those in our community who have this much hate in them.”

However, the society adds it is encouraged that the 2SLGBTQIA+ folx community in Delta has the support of the mayor, police chief, fire chief, school board, and so many others.

We are saddened that there are those in our community who have this much hate in them & yet also encouraged that the #2SLGBTQIA+ folx in #DeltaBC have the support of our Mayor, Council, Police Chief, Fire Chief, School Board, City Manager & so many many others.

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— Delta Pride Society (@PrideDelta) June 22, 2022

This just strengthens the resolve of allies. Thank you to Mayor Harvie and Council for standing strong. https://t.co/PtYtktOniv

— Laura Dixon (@Dixon_Delta) June 23, 2022

The Progress Pride Flag includes transgender and BIPOC representation and the City says it features four words – Acceptance, Courage, Love, Pride – “which reflect the lived experiences of Delta’s LGBTQ2S+ community.”

Police Chief Neil Dubord says investigators will be pursuing charges.

A pride flag will continue to be flown at police headquarters, however, the City of Delta did not announce when a replacement for its flag will be in place.