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“The board does not have the hope for outcome on this. Our hope obviously is that the community is heard. Beyond that, we don’t have plans for what those outcomes will be because we are prepared to take whatever recommendation comes to us.”

The 10-member community engagement committee, of which Donaldson is a co-chair, is now meeting bi-weekly to craft discussion questions for third parties, including police and city council. The group will then formulate a draft report — including feedback from two surveys — to be released to the public.

Currently, applications by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), RCMP, or the military to partake in this year’s parade would not be approved.

As a result of the ban, the EPS didn’t submit an application to march in this year’s parade.

“We (the EPS) believe it is very important to respect the community and community groups who made the initial decision for EPS not to be able to take part in the Edmonton Pride Parade,” Supt. Brad Doucette said in a statement.

“The EPS has maintained consistent communication with members of the Edmonton Pride Society, and will not be forcing this issue nor submitting an application to participate against the request of the community.”

Const. Chelsea Elmquist, an Edmonton city police officer for nine years, and her wife marched in last year’s parade with the Edmonton Police Service contingent last year.

“When we arrived I felt this great energy from everyone prepping their floats, banners, getting their swag ready to hand out,” said Elmquist.