Brandon church welcomes $1M security fund

A Brandon church is hailing the Manitoba government’s newly announced $1-million security enhancement fund.

The religious group described it as “a timely step” that could help deter vandalism, break-ins and hate-motivated crimes against places of worship and cultural organizations.

The funding announcement on Monday afternoon is a “welcome development,” particularly for faith communities that have experienced repeated security challenges, Redeemed Christian Church of God Restoration Parish pastor-in-charge Festus Eretan told the Sun in an interview.

“I understand the fund is meant for religious groups to buy security enhancement gadgets and other measures,” Eretan said. “I see this as a timely intervention. It will help and encourage groups to continue to do what they do.”

The security enhancement fund is designed to support communities facing acts of hate, targeted intimidation and vandalism by helping organizations strengthen safety measures, improve preparedness and install security infrastructure, Premier Wab Kinew announced.

Eligible organizations — including cultural groups and places of worship — will be able to apply for funding for projects such as security cameras, alarm systems, enhanced lighting, controlled access systems, safety training and the restoration of property damaged in hate-motivated incidents.

“Hate has no place in Manitoba,” Kinew said.

“Acts of hatred and intimidation do more than damage property; they threaten the sense of safety and security every person deserves,” he said.

“When people commit a hate crime, they’re committing a crime against all of us as Manitobans. Today we’re standing up and saying that everyone is welcome in Manitoba, and everyone deserves to feel safe.”

Eretan said the potential impact of the funding goes beyond addressing hate crimes alone, adding that improved security measures can help deter a wide range of criminal activity.

“If we install cameras around our church, for instance, it will not only scare people who want to deface our walls, windows, doors or signposts,” he said. “It will also discourage people who want to vandalize our property and help prevent break-ins.”

Eretan said Restoration Parish has experienced several security incidents over the years, including vandalism and multiple break-ins. On at least two occasions, he said, the church suffered successful break-ins that resulted in the loss of equipment, forcing the congregation to replace items and repeatedly upgrade its security systems.

“Even with improvements, there have been times we’ve had to keep upgrading our surveillance,” he said. “We’re hoping to repeat some of these improvements again, especially as we approach the summer.”

Under the new program, applications will be reviewed by a security team chaired by Dave Dalal, a former Winnipeg Police Service member and security professional. The team will assess projects, oversee security evaluations and recommend funding for measures expected to have the greatest impact.

Eretan said the fund could be especially meaningful for cultural and religious groups that may lack the resources to invest heavily in security on their own.

“The beauty of Canada is in our diversity,” he said. “Everyone needs to put their hands together to ensure it is safe and peaceful for everyone.”

Antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate are on the rise across Canada, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said.

“The announcement today is an important message to communities being targeted by hate crimes that Manitobans stand with them, and that there are ways that we can work together to make this province a safer, more inclusive place for everyone,” Wiebe said.

The province said further details on eligibility and application timelines will be released in the coming weeks. Interested organizations can connect with the program by email at SecurityEnhancementFund@gov.mb.ca.

Kinew and Wiebe announced the fund at a news conference at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Winnipeg.

The synagogue was the target of hate-inspired graffiti earlier this year, when swastikas were scrawled onto the building at 561 Wellington Cres.

A 34-year-old Winnipeg man, Oliver Didtger Ederhof, is accused of the graffiti at Shaarey Zedek, along with similar incidents at Abu Bakr Al-Siddique mosque and community centre, Kelvin High School and the entrance to Munson Park on Wellington Crescent.

He has been charged with 14 counts of mischief under $5,000 — obstruct the enjoyment of property for an alleged spray-painting spree between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Jan. 2.

“A message to our Jewish community here in Manitoba: we’ve got your back,” Kinew said. “At the same time, I also want to speak to Manitoba’s Muslims here. We have recently seen some very ugly forms of hatred expressed towards you and some very nasty forms of vandalism targeting your religious institutions. I also want to say we’ve got your back and we’re very much committed to action.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press

» X: @AbiolaOdutola