The City of Penticton says it is working with the RCMP to investigate a threat of violence against a senior member of city staff.
Details are sparse at this time, however, the city said the incident happened after a public discussion around transportation planning and the threats were made against the city staffer on social media.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield called the threats “deeply troubling.”
“Let me be clear: while council makes decisions on behalf of the community, our staff are responsible for implementing those decisions with professionalism and care. They deserve to do so without fear or intimidation,” the mayor said in a statement.
“Penticton is a city built on dialogue, diversity and respect. We welcome passionate debate — it’s a cornerstone of democracy. But when that passion turns into harassment or threats, it crosses a line that must never be crossed.”
.png)
Bloomfield said traffic safety improvements that are currently underway in Penticton are a direct response from what the city has heard from the community and the threats are unacceptable.
City Manager, Anthony Haddad, said the city staffer was targeted on social media.
Haddad said the city is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of city staff.
He added that harassment and intimidation undermine the fabric of democratic process.
“We recognize that transportation planning can be a passionate and, at times, divisive issue,” Haddad said in the statement.
“Residents care deeply about how decisions affect their daily lives, neighbourhoods and the future of our city — and that passion has a rightful place in civic discourse. However, there is a line that must not be crossed. Healthy, respectful debate is not only encouraged — it is essential.”
The statement ended by saying that civility is non-negotiable and disagreement must never give way to threats and hostility.
