Racist graffiti found in July at Harry Gay Neighbourhood Park in Courtice

A racial slur was discovered in July on playground equipment at Harry Gay Neighbourhood Park in Courtice, according to a statement from the Municipality of Clarington. The municipality reported that its crews addressed the graffiti, and both Mayor Adrian Foster and Angela Anderson, Chair of the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, made public statements regarding the incident.

Municipal officials and the advisory committee characterized the graffiti as anti-Black and condemned the act. Their statements described the graffiti as inconsistent with the values of the Clarington community and called for it to be reported to law enforcement.

In his statement, Mayor Foster said, “Last month, a racial slur was discovered on playground equipment at Harry Gay Neighbourhood Park in Courtice. Our crews responded swiftly, underscoring how seriously we take any act that betrays the values we stand for. I am disheartened that we continue to see this taking place in our community.” Foster also asked that anyone who witnesses or experiences similar incidents report them to Durham Regional Police or Durham Region Crimestoppers.

Angela Anderson, Chair of the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, stated, “This kind of hate has no place in our community. It’s ugly, unacceptable, and it does not reflect the Clarington we’re striving to become. The targeting of the Black community is deeply disheartening and shows that there’s still work to be done.” Anderson said the advisory committee "unequivocally condemns this hateful act."