Shocked residents are rallying after a hateful attack on a Pride sign in 100 Mile House; the local Pride Society and RCMP are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity along Highway 97 to come forward as the community reckons with what this means for safety and inclusion.

Essential takeaways

  • What happened: A large Pride sign at the north end of 100 Mile House on Highway 97 was spray-painted, ripped from its structure, cut into pieces and had slurs carved into it.
  • Who’s involved: The 100 Mile House Pride Society reported the damage and the RCMP have opened a mischief file; Sgt. Brian Lamb has asked for witnesses.
  • Where and when: Damage observed midday on July 24 near the former Marmoy Ridge Golf Course; reported to police July 27.
  • Community feeling: The incident has left people upset but also galvanised supporters; organisers say it underlines why Pride matters.
  • Practical ask: Anyone who drove by the sign around the time it was damaged or noticed unusual activity is urged to contact the RCMP.

A blunt act that lands heavy

The sight of a ripped wooden sign, spray paint still bright against splintered planks, hits hard in a small town; it feels personal. According to the 100 Mile House Pride Society, someone not only defaced the sign but carved hateful slurs into it, then tore it apart , a deliberate act the group calls a hate crime. The society’s statement is raw and clear: this wasn’t random vandalism, it was targeted.

Backstory matters here. The sign sits at the north entrance to town along Highway 97 near the former Marmoy Ridge Golf Course, a visible spot that speaks to both pride and welcome. When public displays are attacked, it’s not only property that’s harmed , it’s a signal to marginalised people that they’re unwelcome. That sting is part of why the society has opened a police file with the RCMP.

Police want witnesses , what to look for

Sgt. Brian Lamb confirmed officers received the report on July 27 after the damaged sign was discovered on July 24. Police are now asking anyone who saw anything unusual around that stretch of road to come forward. Even small details help: a vehicle idling nearby, someone stopping briefly at the sign, or any dashcam footage from that day could provide leads.

If you drive the highway often, check dashcam clips from the relevant timeframe; many people don’t immediately think to preserve footage, but it can be crucial. And if you did notice something, don’t assume it’s trivial , report it. The RCMP will decide whether the damage meets the threshold for a hate-crime charge, but community reports speed investigations and help hold people to account.

Why this resonates beyond one sign

Incidents like this aren’t isolated in tone, even if they are local in place. Other communities have reported vandalism of LGBTQ+ memorials, flags and plaques, and sometimes those events precede wider disputes around safety and public events. The 100 Mile House Pride Society cancelled its 2026 Pride in the Park earlier because of wildfire smoke and safety concerns, and this attack layers additional worry on top of that.

There’s a pattern worth noting: visible symbols of inclusion are often targeted because they’re visible. That makes them crucial to defend, too. For towns that want to signal welcome, how a community responds says as much as the signs themselves.

Practical steps the community can take right now

Start with the obvious: if you were near Highway 97 around July 24, check dashcam and phone footage and call the RCMP if you’ve got anything relevant. The society is also inviting support , not just tips. Consider offering to help replace or relocate signage to a safer, more secure mounting; fund a replacement through a community fundraiser; or organise watch groups for future displays.

District workers are responsible for sign permits and public works, so liaising with them can speed repairs and establish a sturdier fixture. And meanwhile, allies can be visible in quieter ways too: social media posts, local business window stickers, or community gatherings that reaffirm support for 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbours.

A small town’s determination after a hurtful morning

There’s real heartbreak in the society’s words, but also defiance: they say they’ll keep making space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the South Cariboo. That’s the right instinct. Hate aims to silence; community aims to speak louder. If you have information, contact the 100 Mile House RCMP , and if you don’t, consider the quieter but powerful option of showing up in support.

It’s a small but important moment: how we respond now shapes whether this town becomes defined by one ugly act or by the collective answer to it.

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