"F*** THEM ALL": York Region investigates profanity on Aurora sign
UPDATE: Signs were remotely hacked overnight, regional spokesperson says

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 27, 2017
Ali Raza

Residents driving south on Bayview Avenue in Aurora were greeted with a very unwelcoming sign as they approached St. John’s Sideroad.

An electronic signboard — generally used to inform drivers and residents of construction statuses and updates — read “F*** THEM ALL” for at least 20 minutes before the sign was changed to its original “ST. JOHN’S SDRD CLOSED”.

A resident sent in a photo to the YorkRegion.com newsroom, and the sign was confirmed by a reporter.

The Regional Municipality of York oversees construction activity across York Region. It expressed remorse over the incident.

“The language on the signage does not reflect York Region values and is not acceptable," corporate communications director Patrick Casey said. "We apologize to residents and travellers in the area who saw this.”

York Region has five electronic signs in the area of St. John's, between Bayview and Leslie Street, Casey said, adding the messages are controlled either at the signs or remotely through password-protected modem access.

"Overnight, the signs were remotely hacked and three signs were turned off and a message on a fourth sign altered to include inappropriate language," he said.

Regional staff got rid of the profane language and turned the signs that were switched off back on, he said, adding staff also temporarily disconnected the modems.

"Our investigation continues to ensure steps are taken to improve online security," Casey said.