Jordan Peterson’s show in Kelowna cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’

If your Valentine’s Day plans involved seeing Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speak at Prospera Place, you’ll have to figure out an alternative.

The controversial psychologist, author and commentator’s North American tour was scheduled to stop in Kelowna on Friday, but it has now been inexplicably cancelled.

An email sent to ticket holders only said the show was cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

It noted that refunds will be processed automatically for people who bought tickets over the phone or internet.

Anyone who purchased their ticket to the show in-person at the box office will need to bring them back there for a refund.

Peterson’s last show in Kelowna in May 2023 sold out Prospera Place, but also sparked a local petition that aimed to have the show cancelled.

While no such petition arose this time around, a Central Okanagan resident reached out to KelownaNow on Tuesday to say that she would be organizing a peaceful protest outside the venue.

“We will be protesting the MAGA-esque hatred and bigotry that Jordan Peterson spews,” she said.

It’s unclear what other Peterson tour dates have been cancelled, although it appears that one of the other two British Columbia dates may be affected.

The tour date section of his website still lists his April 1 show in Abbotsford as an upcoming show, but there is no sign of his previously-scheduled March 31 engagement in Victoria.