Anti-black and anti-Chinese posters were found in Scarborough yesterday morning.
Residents in the area reported the posters at the corner of Kingston Road and Warden Avenue to the city and Ward 36 councillor Gary Crawford.
Crawford’s administrative assistant, William Burtch, said the councillor was deeply disturbed by the news and Toronto police have been contacted to have these posters removed immediately.
“I found it enraging and sickening that we would have something like that in this city, in this day and age,” Burtch said. “I’m quite disturbed and so is the councillor.”
The councillor and city staff may meet to address the incident on social media or in person, Burtch said.
The incident has not yet been identified as a hate crime by police.
Police media relations officer Jenifferjit Sidhu said she was unable to comment regarding this matter as the anti-black and anti-Chinese posters have not yet been brought to her attention.
Particular steps must be taken before incidents related to racism are connected to a hate crime, she said.
“We need to know all the circumstances around it,” Sidhu said. “A police report will always be taken, an officer that is assigned will investigate to see if a charge will be laid.”
Burtch said he’s particularly concerned with these posters as he is “married to a woman of colour.”
He’s adamant that the city and police will find a resolution.
“The city is going to take care of this,” Burtch said. “Toronto police will investigate it as well.”