Arson at Pride Centre not a hate crime, Edmonton police say

EDMONTON – An arson at the Edmonton Pride Centre was not a targeted attack, police said.

 

Emergency crews were called to the building near 95th Street and 111th Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. The fire was quickly extinguished. The fire caused an estimated $15,000 damage and is believed to have been deliberately set.

 

Police were initially investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, but now say it was not a deliberate attack.

 

Edmonton Police Service spokeswoman Claire Seyler said there is no evidence to suggest the Pride Centre was targeted. She said several small fires have been set in the back alleys and dumpsters in the area in recent months.