Art gallery in Ontario town defaced with racist anti-Black graffiti [Video]

The mayor is “angry” and local police declared it “does not tolerate any form of hate speech” after a Bowmanville art gallery was defaced with anti-Black graffiti this week.

“I am both frustrated and angry to learn of the defacement of a cherished public facility with racist graffiti,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This act is completely unacceptable and does not represent the beliefs and values of our community. Let me be clear: hate has no place in Clarington.”

Durham Police released a statement saying they were “aware” of the incident at the Visual Arts Centre on Simpson Avenue where the heritage building was defaced with “offensive language, especially to our Black community,” adding that the investigation is ongoing.

“All potential motives, including the possibility of a racial element, are being thoroughly examined. The Durham Regional Police Service does not tolerate any form of hate speech or hate-motivated crimes in …