
On Monday, June 21, some faint lines are visible of the vandalism at the rainbow crosswalk on 8th Street. Public works crews removed two thick wavy black lines early Sunday morning. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting News)
Owen Sound Police say the city’s newly installed rainbow crosswalk was “intentionally defaced” sometime overnight Saturday.
Police say they were on scene near the 8th Street Bridge early Sunday morning after receiving notice from a citizen of the damage done.
The Owen Sound Public Works Department attended to remove markings from the crosswalk, police say.
Owen Sound Police did not disclose any further description about the appearance of the act of vandalism.
An image of the vandalism published by the Owen Sound Sun Times shows two wavy black lines streaked over the rainbow crosswalk.
The city’s first rainbow crosswalk was officially unveiled only a few days prior, on June 17.
“This senseless act is contrary to the beliefs of an accepting and inclusive community,” Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose says in a statement. “I encourage anyone with information to come forward to the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”
Owen Sound Police are asking anyone with information that can assist this investigation to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
*Editor’s note: This story was updated from an earlier version to add more information.