Mayor Shawn Pankow says last week’s vandalism in downtown Smiths Falls targeted more than the town’s newly painted Pride crosswalk, noting that some of the graffiti also contained derogatory messages directed at women.
Speaking during the June 1 committee of the whole meeting after declaring June Pride Month, Pankow addressed the vandalism discovered on May 29 at the Town Hall bandshell and the Pride crosswalk at Beckwith Street North and Church Street West.
“I want to take a brief moment and just speak to the vandalism we all woke to last Friday,” Pankow said. “Our staff did an incredible job of dealing with it and repainting surfaces that were damaged.”
The mayor said much of the public discussion focused on damage to the Pride crosswalk, which had been re-painted the day before, leading many to believe the act was directed solely at the LGBTQ+ community.
“In fact, some of the graffiti that was expressed on the bandshell and around the bandshell was more targeted against women,” he said.
Pankow referenced the nearby Lanark County Interval House mosaic, which raises awareness about violence against women, saying some of the language used in the vandalism was particularly derogatory toward women.
“I think it’s important that people understand it wasn’t just targeting the crosswalk. It was broader than that,” he said.
The mayor also said he was encouraged by progress in the police investigation.
“It was a horrible act, but hopefully the community learns from this act and hopefully it doesn’t happen again,” Pankow said. “Regardless, we stand together and we will not stand for it, and we’ll make sure that justice is sought through this process.”
Smiths Falls Police announced on June 4 charges against four young adults in connection with what police have described as a hate-related mischief investigation.
According to a police news release, officers began investigating vandalism at the Town Hall bandshell and Pride crosswalk on May 28. Using security surveillance footage, investigators identified four suspects.
Charged with one count each of hate-related mischief over $5,000 are James Parent, 18, of Carleton Place; Adam Loucks, 18, of Perth; Chase Metcalfe, 18, of Carleton Place; and Tracker Hughes, 18, of Ashton.
All four accused surrendered to police on separate dates between May 29 and June 3. Each was released on conditions and provided with a future court date.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
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Well all four surrendered to police so one would assume there is quilt , no dispute there . Now ,we will all see how the courts deal with this act of hate crime . These individuals were from out of town so they obviously pre-planned this act against our town ,just a point /observation to ponder . Poor misguided youth the courts will say .