Steinbach hotel targeted for Pride support: Days Inn refuses to back down

A Steinbach business is reporting theft and vandalism related to their support for Pride month. 

Days inn general manager Cass Wieler says their pride flag was stolen and the flagpole was vandalized.  

She says this will not stop them from offering a welcoming and safe place for everyone. 

“We are very disappointed in some of the City of Steinbach's residents for choosing to vandalize our pride flags this weekend at the hotel. We choose to support and show kindness to our guests and the community we are in, no matter what. Our mission statement is "Genuine Care" and how we choose to show that is through support. Our hope is that the citizens of Steinbach can choose kindness instead of vandalism.” 

Wieler says the hotel was flying a Pride flag to show support for a group of people that might not always feel safe. 

“We’ve had many comments from people in the community who’ve just appreciated knowing that when they come to Days Inn, they are supported and know that they will not be judged or anything.” 

Cass Wieler, General Manager at Days Inn Steinbach, raising the Pride Flag, which was later stolen, and the pole vandalized which prevents them from raising another flag. (Photo Submitted)

In a statement from Days Inn by Wyndham Steinbach, it was noted that the owner and staff are “deeply saddened and concerned by the recent vandalism of the Pride flag on the property over the weekend, as well as the harassing phone calls and emails received by their staff.”  

They want to make it “unequivocally clear that they do not condone this sort of behavior in any form and stand firmly in support of the Pride community.” 

Justin Schinkel is the Chief Operating Officer of the company. He also expresses his solidarity and support for the Pride community. 

“Hate calls and emails won’t stop us from celebrating Pride at Days Inn,” he says. “The flag was vandalized Friday night. It’s sad but it shows that we still need Pride events in 2024.” 

He adds that Days Inn Steinbach is and will continue to be a supporter of the LGBTQIA2S+ community regardless of the negative attention.