Kitchener's Mayor is speaking out, saying 'Diversity is our strength'

Concerns are being raised after a social media post shows controversial posters promoting the group 'The Proud Boys' were put up in downtown Kitchener, including beside the K-W Multicultural Centre.

The group is widely controversial and is even listed as a 'Designated Hate Group' by the Southern Poverty Law Center in the U.S.

The Proud Boys describe themselves as 'Western Chauvinists', while opponents call the organization an 'alt-right, white supremacist group'.

Community members, including Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, are speaking out.

Vrbanovic said, "There is no place in Kitchener or anywhere for people or groups that spread hatred or promote intolerance. When we see things like this, they should be documented and reported to police for investigation for possible hate crimes."

In an email statement, WRPS Spokesperson Cherri Greeno confirmed they have been notified.

"Our investigators take incidents such as this very seriously."

Greeno said they will be following up appropriately.

At @CityKitchener Equity task force meetings, often my fellow citizens & I bring up examples of Nazis in #KWAwesome - this thine they’re targeting @KWMulticultural, etc. This is why it’s imperative that @berryonline & council actively speak up against this hatred & Nazis in KW. https://t.co/8lpG6dW7iu — Samantha Estoesta (@smoestoe) November 25, 2019

***with files from Erin Anderson and Brian Bourke***