Rainbow crosswalk vandalized in downtown Squamish

The incident prompted Pride Squamish to respond, as there has been a pattern of vandalizing rainbow crosswalks in B.C. and Canada.

“Just a week after Pride Month, the first week of July, there was an incident where tire marks were found on a rainbow crosswalk in Vancouver,” said Kyle Horvath, president of Pride Squamish.

“That kind of prompted me to keep looking back and back and back in this pattern.”

A  rainbow crosswalk was defaced in West Vancouver by tire marks in early July. Another one was recently defaced in Swift Current, Sask. in June. And, one was defaced in Aurora, Ont. mere hours after it was unveiled in August 2020.

Pride Squamish posted a message with photographs of the vandalism on Facebook, which, in part, encouraged others to inform the District of the issue and reminded the LGBTQAI2S+ community that they belong in Squamish.

Mayor Karen Elliott wrote in an email to The Chief that the District was made aware of the vandalism over the past weekend.

“We are deeply disappointed to think this was possibly prejudicial in nature. The intention of the rainbow crosswalk is clear — that we embrace all members of our community regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, caste, religion, belief, sex, language, sexual orientation, identity, age, health or other status,” Elliott said.

“This act of vandalism doesn’t represent the people of Squamish and the overwhelming support for making our community a safe place for all.”

Additionally, the Squamish RCMP said in an email that there were no current files or reports on the vandalism but they encouraged anyone with information to contact them at 604-892-6100 or 1.800.222.TIPS, or go to www.solvecrime.ca.

Horvath said he hopes the crosswalk is cleaned sooner than later.

Elliott said that District public works staff have tried to remove the marks but could not do so without damaging the paint and, therefore, will let them fade with time.

Elliott added that the District remains “committed to inclusion, diversity and equity as we focus on ways to honour and celebrate all members of our community."

With that in mind, Horvath said that allies should continue to show their support of the LGBTQAI2S+ community and to be vocal within the community.

“To the queer community, just know that you do have a place here in Squamish and we are working hard to make it a different place for everyone, inclusive and welcoming.”