Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy has spoken out following the discovery of anti-Muslim graffiti at two locations in Whitby, calling the incidents “deeply saddening and disturbing”.
Mayor Roy condemned the vandalism, describing it as part of a larger, troubling rise in hate-motivated acts across the country. “Islamophobia and all forms of hate and discrimination are unacceptable and have no place in Whitby,” she said. Earlier this year, Whitby brought up the topic of hate-related vandalism in a meeting.
According to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes rose by 32 per cent in 2023 alone — the third sharp increase in the last four years. “These numbers reflect a growing wave of hate-motivated acts in communities of all sizes, targeting people because of their religion, race, identity, or beliefs,” Roy noted.
Southern Durham has seen a rise of hate-related crimes since the start of the current war in the Middle East with incidents reported from Pickering to Clarington (see below).
“No one in our community should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome because of who they are or how they worship,” she added. Addressing Muslim residents directly, the mayor emphasized, “You belong in Whitby. You are valued, and you are supported. We will continue to stand together and ensure everyone in our town feels safe, included, and respected.”
The Durham Regional Police Service is investigating the graffiti incidents, and Town of Whitby staff are working with the affected private property owners to have the graffiti removed as quickly as possible.
Mayor Roy urged members of the public to report any hate-motivated graffiti to Durham Regional Police Service by calling 905-579-1520.
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