Skip to Main content

21.14°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Feb 23, 2024 6:30 PM - The Canadian Press

Alberta town bans Pride flags, rainbow crosswalks after plebiscite

Share On

alberta-town-bans-pride-flags-rainbow-crosswalks-after-plebiscite

Kramer says the town of 4,800 will continue to find ways to embrace marginalized groups, including those in the LGBTQ community.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A town north of Edmonton has voted in favour of a bylaw that bans Pride flags and rainbow crosswalks on municipal property.

A slim majority of Westlock residents who took part in a plebiscite Thursday voted in favour of the town only flying government flags and painting crosswalks in a white striped pattern.

Those in favour won by 24 votes, as 49 per cent voted against the ban.

Westlock Mayor Jon Kramer says councillors didn't support the move, as they felt it was against their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Kramer says the town of 4,800 will continue to find ways to embrace marginalized groups, including those in the LGBTQ community.

Last year, a group brought a petition to council demanding neutrality in public spaces after a local gay-straight alliance painted the town's first Pride crosswalk.

Latest news

langley-school-district-bans-e-scooters-and-e-bikes-on-school-grounds

Langley School District Bans E-Scooters and E-Bikes on School Grounds

British Columbia’s Langley School District has banned e-scooters and e-bikes across all elementary, middle and secondary schools, citing student safety concerns as the new academic year begins. The new rules come into effect immediately and follow growing concerns over e-scooter-related accidents and serious injuries involving children across the Lower Mainland. However, the district’s new policy allows e-pedal bikes at secondary schools. Students aged 14 and 15 can use light e-bikes, while those aged 16 and older can use standard e-bikes. Adults are also permitted to use e-pedal bikes at

behbal-kalan-firing-case-sukhbir-badal-summoned-again-by-sit-questioning-set-for-september-11

IndiaSep 08, 2026

Behbal Kalan Firing Case: Sukhbir Badal Summoned Again by SIT, Questioning Set for September 11

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. Badal has been asked to appear before the SIT in Chandigarh on September 11 for questioning. Badal had previously appeared before the SIT on July 20. The latest summons comes as the investigation into the 2015 firing incident continues. The Behbal Kalan firing took place in October 2015, when police opened fire on protesters in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot district. The protesters were demonstrating against incidents of sacrilege involving th

CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and EU to Unite Against U.S.-China Global Dominance

Canada and the European Union are exploring a broad strategic alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, security and other key areas, as both sides seek to navigate growing competition between the United States and China. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the initiative during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 16. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend the address and speak to European lawmakers the following day, highlighting Canada’s push for closer ties with Europe. The Carney governmen

Surrey Police Board Begins Nationwide Search for New Chief Constable

The Surrey Police Board has officially launched a nationwide search for a new chief constable to lead the Surrey Police Service (SPS). The board has hired PFM Executive Search to manage the recruitment process and help identify a qualified candidate for the top position. The move comes nearly three months after former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski was dismissed in early June. His termination led to the resignation of two board directors, including the board’s then-chair, in protest. Since Lipinski’s departure, Deputy Chief Constable Todd Matsumoto has been serving as interim chief. The sel

CanadaSep 08, 2026

Canada and China Resume Military Talks After More Than Eight Years

Canadian and Chinese military officials have held their first defence coordination talks in more than eight years, with the meeting taking place privately in Ottawa. China’s Defence Ministry confirmed that the meeting was held on September 4, saying the talks were aimed at restoring military-level communication between the two countries. The ministry described the discussions as a clear dialogue intended to improve mutual understanding and build trust between the two militaries. Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government did not issue any public statement about the meeting, while Bei

Related News

10 Alberta International Students Facing Deportation Get Support From Migrant Rights Group

10 Alberta International Students Facing Deportation Get Support From Migrant Rights Group

An organization representing labour and community groups has spoken out in support of 10 international students in Alberta who are facing deportation proceedings. The Migrant Rights Network, an organization advocating for migrant rights, alleges that the students were deliberately targeted after taking part in a protest with about 1,500 Portage College graduates in Calgary. According to the organization and the students, they had successfully completed programs that were eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) when they enrolled. However, their work permit applications were later rej

Lloydminster Hit-and-Run Claims One Life

Lloydminster Hit-and-Run Claims One Life

A person has died following a hit-and-run collision in Lloydminster, located on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, early Monday morning. Lloydminster RCMP were called at around 6:30 a.m. after an injured person was found unconscious on the roadway near 49 Avenue and Highway 16. Police and emergency crews responded to the scene and the victim was taken to hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Investigators say they have identified the suspected vehicle and driver involved in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the inciden

Dogs Kill 11-Year-Old Boy, Owner Sentenced by Court

Dogs Kill 11-Year-Old Boy, Owner Sentenced by Court

An Edmonton woman whose two Cane Corsos fatally attacked an 11-year-old boy in 2024 has been sentenced to two years of house arrest. Crystal McDonald was found guilty in May of criminal negligence causing death in the killing of Kache Grist. Along with the two-year house arrest sentence, McDonald must complete 200 hours of community service and is banned from owning dogs for life, although she can appeal the lifetime ban after 10 years. Kache, who lived with his mother in B.C., was visiting his father, Wesley Grist, in Edmonton’s Summerside neighbourhood during Spring Break. At the time, Wes

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital