Stratford's new rainbow pride crosswalk vandalized by 'hate-motivated' graffiti: police

Police in Stratford, Ont., are investigating an act of what they're calling "hate-motivated graffiti" of a newly completed rainbow pride crosswalk in that city.

The crosswalk, located at Wellington and Downie streets in downtown Stratford, was being constructed earlier this week.

Stratford Police Service were called to the scene by city workers around 1:30 a.m. on Friday for reports household paint had been dumped across the crosswalk and dark spray paint had been used as well.

"It appeared that the damage had been caused fairly recently as the paint was still wet," a release sent out by police on Friday said.

Police thanked the workers who reported the damage and then removed much of the paint using a pressure washer and street sweeper.

"Without your assistance the damage could have been much more extensive," the release said of the workers.

Police conducted a "thorough search of the area in an attempt to locate any evidence" but were unable to find any suspects.

They are asking any businesses and homes that may have video footage of the crosswalk to check their cameras and report any suspicious activity. Police are also asking residents to check their garbage or recycling bins for evidence.

"Throughout this morning we have already seen many people and businesses come together to show their support against this hateful act. The Stratford Police Service stands together with our community, and specifically stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ2+ community in Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South," the release said. 

'Disheartening ... but sadly not shocking'

The crosswalk was installed as a partnership between Stratford-Perth Pride and Kelly Ballantyne.

"This is disheartening for our community but sadly not shocking," said AJ Adams, president of Stratford-Perth Pride, in a release on Friday.

"However, we need to remember that with every act of hate, there are a million more acts of love," he said.

The release points out that several other rainbow crosswalks across Ontario have been vandalized soon after they were installed such as in Wasaga Beach and Owen Sound.

Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson wrote in a statement Friday that he was "extremely disheartened and disappointed to learn of the cowardly act of vandalism committed last night."

"It is meant to be a symbol of progress for our 2SLGBTQ+ community, but also represents Stratford's desire to be a welcoming, tolerant, respectful and inclusive place for everyone," the statement said.

John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington, called the incident "beyond disappointing" in a tweet. 

"Let's use this act of vandalism against the 2SLGBTQ+ community as motivation for each of us to commit to building a more inclusive community," his tweet said.