City issues statement about hate-motivated graffiti found in Waterloo

The City of Waterloo issued a statement Tuesday, condemning hate-motivated graffiti, recently located in the city.

There have been at least three recent incidents. 

The most recent was reported to police on Saturday. Hate-motivated graffiti was found etched into the front door of a business located at King Street North and Dupont Street. 

On Aug. 12, hate-motivated writing was found on an ION train at Northfield Station. Hate-motivated graffiti was also located at Waterloo Town Square late last week.

“The City of Waterloo condemns all symbols of hate; the recent despicable occurrences in Waterloo serve no purpose. We re-affirm our commitment to stamp out hate in this city. The city values being a welcoming and caring community for all persons, inclusive of race, religion, abilities, age, sexual identity, and circumstances of birth.” the statement read.

“As a city, we will not tolerate any form of hate, discrimination, racism or anti-Semitism, and we will not accept members of our community being targets of identity-based harassment. We will continue to use internal resources and personnel including park services, by-law staff, and neighbourhoods to address hate anywhere in Waterloo. We support communities that may be impacted by these behaviours, and will work with community partners to advance initiatives confronting hate.”

Mayor Dave Jaworsky calls them cowardly and criminal acts, adding an informed and united community is the best best defense.

Hate-motivated graffiti is harmful, and has no place in Waterloo. – https://t.co/J0TskOstlw

— City of Waterloo (@citywaterloo) August 16, 2022