People living all across the Lower Mainland are stunned after racist posters were put up in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
The messaging targets parents of “European children” and offers “the gift of time spent amongst their own people — because they deserve it.”
It also asks if they’re “tired of being the minority in their schools and daycare?”
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West is stunned this has happened.
“It’s disturbing to see anything like this,” an outraged West told CityNews.
West, who has two young children, says this has really struck a chord with him.
“I can’t imagine someone trying to promote that hatefulness, that racism amongst children. It is completely unacceptable. Our city condemns it in the strongest terms and we’re very much focused on promoting a community where everyone feels a part of Port Coquitlam.”
He adds he takes his kids out to local playgrounds and parks often and hasn’t run into this kind of hatred.
“You see kids from all walks of life. You see lots of new Canadians. We see the full diversity of our community on display and it’s a beautiful thing. The kids are smiling, they’re playing together… you can see them making friendships.
“To think there is a person or persons out there who hate that, hate the idea of young children of all different races and backgrounds being able to play together, I think is so disturbing. I think for the vast, vast, vast majority of our community, they just find that type of view completely deplorable.”
West says city staff were made aware over the weekend after images were posted to social media. He adds bylaw officers couldn’t find the posters, thinking someone else had already torn them down.
He says the RCMP has been notified but can’t comment on any potential investigation and he wants anyone to call police if they see something like this again.
“I hope that they’re taking that seriously. In Port Coquitlam, what we’re doing is working on building the bonds of our community and breaking down barriers and promoting all the diversity of our city.”
West says racism exists in every community but is shocked by the actions of whoever is behind the posters.
“We have more work to do, like everyone does… [but] this is not something we can ignore. It’s going to require everyone, not only elected officials, but also grassroots community members to work together as well, so that’s what our focus will be.”
As a result of this, West says bylaw officers will be increasing patrols moving forward to make the posters do not appear again.
“To those who have seen that poster, we want you to know that Port Coquitlam is your community. We’re not going to let someone try and tear that away from people and tear at the fabric of our community. We have an incredibly welcoming and close-knit community.
“We’re going to make sure that everyone who lays their head down in the evening in our city truly feels a part of the fabric of Port Coquitlam.”
The posters were spotted near Lougheed Highway and Pinetree Way in Coquitlam and along Shaughnessy Street in Port Coquitlam.
source : CityNews photo : Instagram / @blackvancouver
