Edmonton police have put a stop to a plan that allowed referendum lawn signs to be picked up at police stations, clarifying that political campaigning is not permitted on police property.
Misunderstanding Over Buy and Sell Zones
Deputy Police Chief Nicole Chapdelaine, who oversees the investigations and support services bureau, stated on Thursday that the advertisements promoting the sign pickup were being corrected. The ads, posted on social media earlier this week, indicated that members of the public could collect referendum lawn signs at police stations in the city’s west and northeast on June 19. These stations have designated buy and sell zones where people can safely exchange goods without inviting strangers into their homes.
Chapdelaine emphasized that police have discussed the issue with the third-party advertiser, podcaster Jason Lavigne, who authorized the ads. Lavigne’s website claims he is a registered third-party advertiser and is actively fundraising for his cause, stating, “Reaching voters across the province requires advertising, educational content and grassroots outreach.”
Police Property Not for Political Use
“Police have this one space that we just try and provide for everybody,” said Chapdelaine. “And we don’t take any sides. Those police spaces and properties are there for all community members to be there and feel safe and secure in that space.” She explained that the buy and sell zones are intended for safe transactions of property or items through online platforms, not for political activities. “We want to make sure that those spaces are secured and used for the purpose that they’re intended for,” she added. “It’s not necessarily for the utilization for any community political sort of thing. We’ve rectified that.”
Previous Incidents with Separatists
This incident follows a pattern where separatist groups have used landmarks as reference points without actually being on the properties. During the winter’s signature-gathering efforts, supporters of Stay Free Alberta’s petition advertised gathering at Rogers Place on Edmonton Oilers game nights but were actually in the Ice District near the arena, not on the property itself. Similarly, a regular petition spot was set up near Kingsway Mall but not on mall property.
Chapdelaine stressed that police provide these spaces as a community service to ensure safety, and any political use is a misunderstanding of their purpose. The ads have been corrected, and police will continue to monitor the situation.
