TH&B Bridge in Brantford reopens following temporary closure for homophobic vandalism investigation
![TH&B Bridge The TH&B bridge in Brantford on Jan. 30, following the cleanup of homophobic vandalism. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/1/30/th-b-bridge-1-6252631-1675120769600.jpeg)
The Brantford Police Service (BPS) is investigating "significant vandalism" to the TH&B Bridge in Brantford, including homophobic vandalism targeting the LGBTQ2S+ community.
According to a news release issued Monday by the City of Brantford, city staff members discovered the vandalism to the art project over the weekend.
“The City of Brantford has absolutely no tolerance for vandalism of any kind, especially of this nature, where members of our community are targeted and will work to support BPS’ investigation to help find those responsible,” said the release.
The vandalism took six hours to clean by Parks Services staff, who had to ensure the artwork underneath remained undamaged.
“On behalf of the city, I want to express how deeply disheartened and disappointed we are by the hateful language painted across this beloved community project,” said Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis in the release. “As we strive to make Brantford a more inclusive city, these actions only serve to strengthen our resolve to support 2SLGBTQ+ members of our community and continue to embrace and celebrate diversity.”
The bridge was temporarily closed following the discovery and reopened Monday at 2:30 p.m.
The bridge is a pedestrian crossing over the Grand River, which the release called “an important fixture within the city’s landscape.”
In December, community members painted over half of the interior panels of the bridge as part of the first phase of the TH&B Crossing Bridge Public Art Project.
The release concluded with: “The TH&B Public Art Project was unanimously endorsed by city council and the Cultural Advisory Committee to help deter vandalism and foster a sense of pride in this important landmark.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact BPS at 519-756-7050 or Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
BREAKING NEWS Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about the incumbent's fitness for office with the election just four months away. It was a late-season campaign thunderstrike unlike any in American history.
Justin Trudeau reacts to Joe Biden announcing he won't run for re-election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election Sunday, calling Biden a 'true friend.'
What happens next: Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
Read Biden's full text announcing the end to his re-election campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign on Sunday after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. He announced his decision in a letter posted on social media. Read the full text.
Harris, endorsed by Biden, could become first woman, second Black person to be U.S. president
Kamala Harris could become the first Black woman to head a major U.S. party presidential ticket after U.S. President Joe Biden abruptly ended his re-election bid and endorsed her.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
NEW YORK (AP) — Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.
LCBO workers ratify tentative agreement, strike ends Monday
The union representing 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has ratified a tentative agreement, which will officially end its two-week strike at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
A Florida woman was killed 24 years ago. DNA evidence just helped police make an arrest in the cold case
A Florida woman’s brutal killing nearly 25 years ago may finally be solved after authorities arrested the suspect this week, according to the Sanford Police Department.