Stouffville mayor calls out hateful graffiti found at dog park

Iain Lovatt says bigotry will not be tolerated in town

Yorkregion.com
July 3, 2020
Simon Martin

On Sunday, June 28, a local resident was visiting the dog park on Rougeview Avenue when they discovered newly created graffiti promoting hate and intolerance.

York Regional Police were informed, and the Criminal Investigation Bureau at #5 District is currently investigating this matter.

“I am beyond words that this could happen in our town,” said Mayor Iain Lovatt. “Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated here in Whitchurch-Stouffville. Beyond the vandalism, this is hate, and there is there is no room for hate in our town.”

York Regional Police worked diligently to collect evidence from the scene, and town staff were able to quickly clean up the hateful graffiti.

“Anyone with information on this despicable crime is encouraged to connect with the police or to call Crime Stoppers to report anonymously,” Mayor Lovatt added. “If you are the person(s) responsible, I strongly encourage you to seek legal counsel and turn yourself in.”

The Office of the Mayor recently announced the creation of the Mayor’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. This committee will work to provide a lens of diversity and inclusion to town policies and programs and educate residents on anti-Black racism, issues affecting the LGBTQ2S+ community, those with disabilities, seniors, women and any other equity-seeking group. To learn more or request an application, please contact mayor@townofws.ca.

“We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement in Whitchurch-Stouffville,” Lovatt said. “Hatred and bigotry are not welcome here!”