The North Bay Police are looking for the vandals responsible for leaving graffiti at the new North Bay Canada Place facility that opened recently on the waterfront off Memorial Drive.
The North Bay Canada Place waterfront installation was officially opened on Canada Day, July 1.
Police believe between the official opening and July 4, a portion of the installation was marked with graffiti stating "They have to go back" written in dark block letters next to the Diversity sign within the new area.
"Given the content of the graffiti, police are investigating the vandalism as a possible hate or bias-motivated incident," David Woolley, corporate communications officer for the North Bay Police Service stated in a release.
"The North Bay Police Service stands against bigotry, hate, and intolerance in all its forms," Woolley continued.
The graffiti was cleaned up Thursday afternoon and all that was left was a slight smudge where the graffiti was once located.
"We work closely with community groups and leaders throughout North Bay to build a police service and community that is open, safe, and accepting of everyone regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, or ability. We take reports of hate and bias-motivated crimes very seriously," stated Woolley.
The North Bay Police Service is asking anyone who may have information about this incident, including video or dashcam footage from the area between Monday, and Thursday to provide that information to the North Bay Police Service by calling 705-497-5555, press 5 to speak with an officer. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com
See related: North Bay Canada Place - an inclusive gathering place, opens
North Bay Canada Place opened on July 1 is billed as an “inclusive gathering space featuring an accessible pathway, a large maple leaf design, integrated into the paving stones, and two flag poles.”
