The City of Brampton is changing its procedures for removing hate graffiti after a resident complained a racist message was left up in his neighbourhood for days.

Carl Thompson, who lives near Dunblaine Parkette in Brampton, addressed council at its July 10 meeting, asking why it took the city so long to remove or cover up anti-black graffiti including the ‘N’ word on a fence in the park.

“It was offensive … and it seems like it was there for a little while,” Thompson told council, adding the paint appeared to be somewhat weathered and wasn’t sure how long the offensive message had been there before he saw it and reported it to the city.

Thompson couldn’t say exactly how long it took the city to respond because no one contacted him after it was removed to inform him, but indicated the hate-motivated message was left for at least a couple of days.

In response to his concerns, Coun. Charmaine Williams tabled a motion — which council passed unanimously — to update the city’s procedures when residents report hate graffiti.

The new process will require city staff to remove hate graffiti within hours of receiving a report from the public. Staff will also be required to inform the mayor’s office and ward councillors upon receipt of a report of any hate-motivated crime in the city, as well as provide annual summaries to council.

“I brought the motion forward because many people know that hate motivated crimes are under reported. Many of our city staff do not realize that they should be reporting any hate related vandalism or mischief,” said Williams.

“This motion makes it clear and it helps the police collect the data in order to address the problem,” added Williams.



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