A crosswalk in Saanich dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community has been vandalized.
At some point between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the crosswalk depicting a Pride flag outside G. R. Pearkes Recreation Centre was covered up with black paint.
It’s one of four crosswalks in the area that have recently been installed in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Now, Saanich Police are seeking out anyone who may have witnessed something — or who may have dash cam footage of the incident, specifically between 10 p.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.
“It appeared that the suspect or suspects took quite some time to use a roller to completely black out the flag crosswalk,” Const. Markus Anastasiades told CHEK News.
He says while the timing of the incident is something they’re looking into, at this time the investigation remains classified as Mischief.
The crosswalk was installed a little over a month ago, and the incident, which comes in the final days of Pride Month, has left many in the community upset.
In a written statement released on the district’s Twitter account, Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock called the act of vandalism disappointing and saddening.
Earlier this month, another incident of vandalism targeting a pride display took place in Langford.
READ MORE: Langford Pride banners vandalized in first 24 hours displayed: councillor
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The Pride crosswalk represents our unwavering support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community for all residents and visitors. It is a symbol of unity, diversity, and celebration of love and acceptance.
— District of Saanich (@saanich) June 28, 2023
“Staff have been working to clean the vandalism off, into the evening and that continues today,” Myles Dolphin, communications advisor with the District of Saanich told CHEK News. “We hope to have it cleaned up real soon.”
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