The City of Dawson Creek is reaffirming that its parks and green spaces are for everyone after a video filmed in a local park sparked reaction on social media.
The video, which circulated widely in the community Monday, shows a man confronting a person described in the video as having a disability and telling them to leave the park.
The man also directed comments at the person accompanying them, who appears to be filming the encounter, telling them to “go back to your country” and saying they do not belong in the community.
The video quickly drew hundreds of shares and comments online, with people expressing condemnation of the statements.
The City of Dawson Creek said it is aware of the video and strongly rejects the message being expressed in it.
In a statement to Vista Radio News, the city said claims that its parks are only for Canadian citizens, or that people with disabilities or residents who have moved to Dawson Creek from other countries do not belong in those spaces, do not reflect the community’s values.
“Dawson Creek is a welcoming community made up of people from many backgrounds, cultures and countries,” the city said.
The city said its parks and green spaces are public spaces for everyone, including children, families, newcomers, longtime residents and people of all abilities.
Mayor Darcy Dober said the city wants to make its position clear.
“We want to be clear that everyone is welcome in our parks and public spaces,” said Dober.
“Dawson Creek is a community that values people from all backgrounds and abilities. We may not always agree on everything, but respect, inclusion and treating one another with dignity are values we should all be able to share.”
The city said mayor and council do not condone or support the statements made in the video, adding that they do not represent the values of the City of Dawson Creek or the community it is working to build.
The city also pointed to ongoing work to identify ways to make Dawson Creek more accessible and inclusive.
The city said accessibility and inclusion are important considerations as it plans and improves public spaces and services, with the goal of creating a community where people of all abilities can participate, connect and thrive.
The city is encouraging residents to treat one another with respect and help foster a community where everyone feels welcome and included.
