Calgary Pride wholeheartedly condemns the Town of Didsbury’s introduction of a Public Space Neutrality Bylaw. What may seem innocuous is a concerning step towards the erasure of 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and greater diversity in the community. To quote Mayor Chris Little: “Maintaining politically neutral municipal spaces helps ensure every resident—regardless of their political beliefs or personal views—feels represented by their local government.” Identity is not political; diversity and representation are not beliefs. Erasure is not neutral.
We urge the Town’s Council to vote down proposed bylaw 2026-08. It is not too late to show solidarity and a continued commitment to true safety and representation. It would be disappointing to see Didsbury join the ranks of Westlock, Barrhead, and (narrowly) Calgary in their bylaws of fear disguised as fairness.
The increasing number of cities and towns limiting representation of their residents in municipal spaces is cause for great concern. These spaces, where resources and information are already more difficult to come by, are meant to be an embrace of everyone in the community. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in capitulation to a few voices – a few opinions – who may benefit from further readings on acceptance and representation of the people.
By removing residents’ ability to see themselves in municipal spaces, you are telling them they are not welcome in the community; you are allowing fear and misinformation to overtake the duty of elected officials to speak for all people.
At the upcoming third reading of proposed bylaw 2026-08, we encourage the council of Didsbury to vote against erasing culture and visibility in their town. It is of vital importance that the municipal government ensure that all residents are truly represented under multiple flags.
