Pride flag cut down in rural West Ottawa, police investigating

Ottawa Police are investigating a suspected hate-motivated incident after a Pride flag and pole were cut down in rural West Ottawa on June 7, 2026.

At approximately 8:17 p.m. that evening, officers responded to a report of property damage in the 1500 block of Corkery Road and discovered the flagpole had been severed. The Hate and Bias Crime Unit is leading the investigation.

Police describe the suspect as a heavy-set man between 25 and 40 years old, observed wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and dark-coloured shorts. He was driving a four-door sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hate and Bias Crime Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5015. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

The incident comes as West Side Pride prepares community events aimed at strengthening dialogue between law enforcement and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.