The management of a Sikh place of worship in Calgary says it received threatening phone calls over the weekend, raising concerns among staff and visitors. Raj Sidhu, director of operations for the Dashmesh Culture Centre, said the calls came in Saturday around noon and initially appeared to be related to work at the site. Staff were told vehicles needed to be moved from the parking lot because crews were arriving with heavy equipment, Sidhu said. The request raised questions, as no such work had been scheduled. The caller was then directed to the centre’s chairman, who was told the work needed to happen immediately. “As the conversation progressed, it escalated,” Sidhu said. “It got to the point where the individual said they were coming to demolish the cultural site.” Sidhu said the chairman ended the call, but the same individual called back from a different number and repeated the threat, urging that people leave the facility. The incident was reported to Calgary police, who attended the scene shortly afterward. The Dashmesh Culture Centre is one of the largest Sikh places of worship in the Prairie provinces. Sidhu said the facility was busy at the time of the calls. He said the organization is reviewing and enhancing its security measures, including increased personnel, following discussions with police. Sidhu said it is unclear whether the incident was hate-motivated. “We can’t say it is or it isn’t,” he said. “But we are taking it seriously.” He added that the centre remains committed to being an open and welcoming space. “This is a place not just for the Sikh community, but for everyone,” Sidhu said. “We encourage people to come, learn and engage.” He said threats like these can be unsettling, particularly for families and youth who regularly visit the facility, but emphasized the importance of staying united. “It’s a time for dialogue and coming together as a community.” CTV News has reached out to the Calgary Police Service for comment.
