Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has condemned the use of ‘mean-spirited graffiti’ recently discovered at a playground in Clarington.
Durham has seen rising hate-inspired crime, especially since the war in Gaza. Hate-motivated crimes have risen by 77 per cent from 2023 to 2024, according to the Region of Durham (see below). Durham police has instituted a hate crimes unit.
Lord Elgin Park in Bowmanville was the most recent incident. It was vandalized with numerous hate symbols and words (see below) and Durham police are searching for at least one suspect.
“On behalf of Clarington Council, I want to clearly condemn this hateful act of vandalism. The use of violent and bigoted language to deface a public park where children gather and play is unacceptable and has no place in our community,” said Foster.
Rare Small-minded Acts of Ignorance and Hate
He expressed disappointment with this mean-spirited graffiti and added that Clarington is overwhelmingly a kind and caring community. “We speak out against these rare small-minded acts of ignorance and hate because they do not represent our values. Hate has no home in Clarington, and hatred directed at any group is a threat to us all.”
Mayor Foster let it be known that the community stands together to condemn all forms of intolerance and racism. “Together, we will continue to build a Clarington where every resident knows they are welcome, valued, and safe. I’m proud to live in a community where everyone can belong.”
The mayor thanked the residents who reported the graffiti, and staff who acted quickly to remove it. He also expressed thanks to Durham Regional Police Service for their investigation of this serious incident.