VIDEO: ‘This is not vandalism. This is hate’: Stouffville mayor calls out vandal

‘Moron’ is on official notice after Stouffville park spray painted with swastika

Yorkregion.com
June 29, 2020

Hate crimes, let alone, vandalism will not be tolerated in Stouffville.

Mayor Iaian Lovatt took to social media June 28, calling out the perpetrator who spray painted hate speech and a swastika at the local dog park near Sam’s Way and Rougeview Avenue.

“I’m beyond words that this happened in our town,” wrote Lovatt in a Facebook post.

“This is not vandalism. This is hate. Hate that’s not welcome in any form in (Whitchurch-Stouffville).”

York Regional Police were notified and are working to release the site so cleanup can begin, notes Lovatt.

In a video posted by Lovatt to his social media channels, not only is a large swastika shown but also the words “Black lives don’t matter” in large lettering.

“So, to the moron who did this, you’re officially on notice,” Lovatt wrote. “We will find you and we will press charges.

“We will choose community and inclusion over racism and discrimination every time”

This incident comes on the heels of the Black Lives Matter march at the beginning of the month, where hundreds of Stouffville residents marched along Stouffville Road.

Earlier this month, the town established an advisory committee on diversity and inclusion to provide advice to town council on town programs and initiatives as it relates to diversity inclusivity and equity.

The town is also working toward a diversity and inclusion strategy slated for a 2021 release.

York Regional Police is asking anyone with information to contact the Hate Crimes Unit by calling 1-866-876-5423.

Or, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.