Sikh Society of Calgary gets federal funds to boost security

The Sikh Society of Calgary has been granted federal funding to help better secure its building from vandalism after multiple incidents over the years.

Some $79,000 will to go toward security upgrades to the non-profit’s gurdwara, the community’s place of worship, under the communities at risk security infrastructure program.

“Unfortunately, we know there are people around us whose hearts and minds are filled with hate,” said Calgary MP Kent Hehr Monday.

“There is no place for this in Canada. There is no place for this in our country. Acts of intolerance do not reflect our Canadian values of acceptance, of diversity and inclusion. These are the values that Canada has and continues to strive for.”

The upgrades to the gurdwara include the installation of a CCTV system, including 28 cameras on the main building, an alarm system, exterior security and flood lighting, as well as fences and gates.

The security upgrades are partly funded with money raised by the Sikh Society ’s congregation, which has experienced several instances of vandalism throughout the years.

In 2016, the gurdwara was vandalized with spray-painted swastikas.

“Since then, we got worried again,” said Inderjit Singh Wadhwa, the society’s president.

“We’re very fortunate to have this security system that nobody could dare to come and demolish or damage the gurdwara.”