RCMP, Kamloops Pride Society team up to promote safe places throughout the city

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops RCMP are working toward creating a safe space for the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community with their Safe Spaces pilot program.

The program rolled out late last year in consultation with Kamloops Pride Society.

Local businesses taking part in the program are vetted both by police and Kamloops Pride, before receiving a rainbow shield, deeming their establishment a safe place for anyone who may be experiencing harassment or hate based on their gender or sexuality.

The rainbow shields have been popping up at more and more downtown businesses.

“It’s really good timing just to show that there are a lot of places that are really supportive, and it’s okay, ” said Ashton O’Brien, Kamloops Pride resource director. “Having that visible sign of support that people can say, ‘I know this place is safe and I’m going to be safe being in here’ is really important for people.”

Businesses displaying the decal have committed to being safe places for the queer community, which means anyone experiencing hate in the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community can enter the business and wait safely for police to arrive.

Cpl. Dana Napier from the Kamloops RCMP said this program is a really important step in the community.

“We really want to make sure that we are investigating hate crimes,” Napier said. “Hate crimes tend to be under-reported and we want to give people the confidence to come into a place where they feel supported, they feel safe so that they can report these crimes and then we can do a proper investigation.”

Since the Safe Spaces pilot program launched late last year, multiple businesses on Victoria Street have gotten involved.

Business owners participating in the program will sign a commitment pledge and be revetted each year.

Businesses wishing to get involved can contact the Kamloops RCMP community policing unit at (250) 376-5099.