TH&B Bridge in Brantford reopens following temporary closure for homophobic vandalism investigation
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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.