A Duncan business owner says it’s sad to see the messages left on the walls of several downtown businesses but isn’t surprised given the state of the world today.
Duncan Garage and Bakery owner Matthew Huotari says this has been an ongoing issue in the community and this is why having awareness in the PRIDE community is needed.
“I think this is one of those examples of hate that is still in the world, and people ask why we have pride parades and pride month. We still need that,” he says. “There is so much hate in North America, but it’s shocking to see it here in our hometown, and on our building.”
Several buildings in Duncan had graffiti containing hate messages spray-painted on their buildings, including the post office, and Huotari says this isn’t something usually seen in a small community.
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Photo credit: Supplied
“I think I was quite shocked to see it everywhere,” he says. “It doesn’t seem to be targeted to just us.”
He says Duncan, and the Cowichan Valley, is a very accepting community, and seeing this graffiti displayed in the community isn’t a deterrent; it’s going to have the opposite effect.
“I do think we’re in a very strong community, and this makes people band together even stronger,” he says.
In a social media post, Duncan mayor Michelle Staples says North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are looking into the matter, and says the city has zero tolerance for this kind of treatment.
“RCMP are looking into this,” she says. “City bylaws reached out to the building owners, at least two of them were reached and painted over.
“For those trying to spread fear or division, you will not win. Love, truth, and community are louder. We’ll keep showing up for each other with courage and compassion.”
The incident is believed to have taken place over the weekend, starting on Jun. 14.
