In response to the rise in hate incidents across Durham, Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has unequivocally condemned hateful behaviour.
Several of Durham’s top personalities have condemned rising hate incidents in the community (see below).
“We are seeing a rise in personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and threatening behaviour, both online and in our community,” Foster said.
“This is not debate or dialogue. These comments are meant to harm. They spread disinformation, target individuals, and are designed to create fear and divide our community,” he pointed out.
The mayor informed the public that Clarington residents and staff, friends and neighbours have been doxxed and subjected to racist, discriminatory, and threatening posts. “This is unacceptable. Harassment and hate undermine the values we stand for. If we ignore it, we allow it to grow.”
He concluded his statement saying: “Enough is enough. Everyone in Clarington deserves to feel safe and welcome. Our community is built on respect, fairness, and inclusion. Each of us has a responsibility to uphold those values. Choose respect over hostility. Speak up when you see hate. Get your facts from a trustworthy source. If you see hate, speak up and report it. Defend the victims. Hate has no home in Clarington.”
Pride Month
The 2SLGBTQIA+ community has been a target of hate crime, and as part of Pride Month, the Municipality of Clarington is showing its ongoing commitment to inclusion with the unveiling of new Pride displays across the community. Located at municipal recreation centres and libraries, new pole wraps and window installations signal that community spaces should be safe and welcoming for everyone.
On June 25, Mayor Foster and members of council were joined by Clarington Pride and Durham Alliance Outreach at Courtice Community Complex to unveil one of the displays.
“Small symbols like this send a big message. Without a word, we loudly proclaim that ‘love is love’ and everyone deserves to feel safe to live authentically in Clarington. I’m proud to see these visible tokens of public support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents. Unfortunately, hate and intolerance are in our midst, and we still have work to do to ensure that love and inclusion triumph over prejudice and discrimination,” said Foster.
In 2025, council directed staff to explore a second Rainbow Crosswalk, but costs had increased significantly since 2019. The new Pride displays provide a more affordable way to celebrate Pride at approximately $8,500, compared to more than $18,000 for a second crosswalk, said a Clarington statement.