Just a day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be marked nationwide, Waterloo regional police are investigating an apparent act of vandalism to an Every Child Matters display in Victoria Park.
Police were called Monday morning after hearing that around 20 of the 215 wooden crosses erected in the Kitchener park had been removed from their original positions. Police said the crosses were not damaged but were removed from the ground and placed into a pile.
They continue to investigate, which includes determining whether the act was hate-motivated.
The crosses were set up to form a memorial display for Tuesday’s Truth and Reconciliation “Remember Me Walk,” which is being hosted by The Healing of the Seven Generations.
The City of Kitchener confirmed it is aware that the crosses were tampered with.
“We denounce these acts in the strongest possible terms and support WRPS in their investigation,” said the city in a statement. “Let us be clear: there is no place for racism or hate in our community.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service at 519-570-9777 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.