‘Utterly disgusted’: Threatening demolition calls made to Calgary Sikh temple, police investigating
Posted Aug 20, 2026 9:26 am.
Last Updated Aug 20, 2026 12:18 pm.
Police are investigating a series of threatening phone calls made to Sikh temples in Calgary.
Calgary police say they were informed of the alleged threats on Saturday afternoon, at two temples in the city’s northeast.
Ranbir Parmar, chairman of the Dashmesh Culture Centre in Martindale, tells CityNews he was forwarded multiple calls from someone claiming to be a contruction worker and instructing him to clear the parking lot because the building was about to be demolished.
When Parmar questioned what he was hearing, he says the caller’s tone became more aggressive.
“It was shocking,” Parmar said. “But I have full faith in the system, government, and the community at large. We need to stay united and condemn this kind of behaviour.”
He added that it was the first time he had ever received a call like that.
Police confirmed the second temple location is the Gurdwara Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib JI Calgary in nearby Saddle Ridge.
The investigation is ongoing and police say they are working closely with directors at both temples. They do not believe there is an active threat to the community or either location.
Mayor Jeromy Farkas also condemned the threats made to the Dashmesh Culture Centre in an online post, calling them “utterly disgusting” and saying there is no place in Calgary for hatred or intimidation.
“My first visit to a gurdwara was as a child,” says Farkas. “Gurdwaras are places of hospitality, generosity and service. Everyone is welcome.”
The Dashmesh Culture Centre was founded in 1989 and serves more than 15,000 members. It is a central gathering place for Calgary’s Sikh community.
