Vandals targeting Pride symbols in southwestern Ontario
Symbols of the LGBTQ2S+ community are being targeted by vandals in southwestern Ontario.
Provincial police are investigating reports of damaged flags and other items meant to celebrate diversity and inclusivity during Pride Month.
Many of those incidents happened at schools.
OPP in both Wellington County and Perth County said they've received a "rash of mischief reports" in Mapleton, North Perth and Minto.
On June 4, someone damaged Pride ribbons decorating a light standard on Main Street in Palmerston.
Pride ribbons around a light standard, photo taken from an OPP video.
Then two reports were made in Listowel on June 12. Police said Pride flags were damaged at a business on Mitchell Street South and at Listowel District Secondary School, which is part of the Avon Maitland District School Board.
"We are disappointed to report that our Pride Flag was torn from our flag pole last night," the school tweeted on Monday morning. "Video footage was captured and an investigation is underway. We will be reinstalling the flag as soon as possible."
The Avon Maitland District School Board also tweeted its reaction to the vandalism.
"Such disappointing news," the board said. "This act of hate and intolerance is unacceptable and those involved will be held responsible. We are committed to fostering a learning environment that celebrates, supports, respects, values, and embraces all forms of diversity."
OPP said Pride flags were also damaged at three elementary schools sometime between June 10 and June 13.
The Upper Grand District School Board has identified them as Drayton Heights Public School, Maryborough Public School in Moorefield, and Minto-Clifford Public School in Harriston.
A map shows the locations of schools where Pride flags have recently been vandalized. (Graphic by: Steve Woodford/CTV Kitchener)
"It was very clear that this was a vandalism - an act of hate - that was targeted towards our 2LGBTQ+ communities," said Brent McDonald, the UGDSB's executive superintendent.
He added that the flags were replaced before students got to school.
"iI was very important for us to put together a strong signal, together, that our schools remain a safe place... for our staff and students who attend," McDonald said.
Staff at Drayton Heights Public School were also prepared to talk to students about the incident.
"We're willing to have those conversations to help children understand the importance of the flag, and to create space for anyone who may have been harmed by this act of hate," said Principal Shannon Spike.
"It shouldn't be happening, it's wrong," Grade 6 student Rylea Brace told CTV News. "We should just support each other."
OPP said Pride ribbons on light standards in both Palmerston and Harriston were also damaged on June 13.
They released surveillance video on Tuesday, showing someone climbing a pole and grabbing the flag.
In the video, Cst. Joshua Cunningham called it one of many "senseless acts."
"We're going to follow the evidence that's presented to us," said Cst. Cunningham. "If they are linked, the connected individual will be charged. If they're not, that may lead to multiple investigations."
OPP are asking anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, or been a victim, to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
MORE PRIDE VANDALISM
These aren't the only incidents targeting symbols of the LGBTQ2S+ community that have been reported over the last month in southwestern Ontario.
On May 29, someone threw paint on the Pride crosswalk in Ingersoll. Oxford County OPP shared security video of the incident in hopes someone could identify the vandal. Oxford County Pride said they were "saddened and disappointed" by the act, but would "not respond to threats or bullying as a Pride community."
In Norwich, multiple Pride flags were also stolen or vandalized between May 20 and May 24. OPP later said a 16-year-old had been charged with two counts of theft under $5,000 and they were also trying to identify others who may have been involved.
In response to those thefts, Oxford County Pride said they had received almost $1,000 in donations to replace the flags.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.