North Bay police looking into 'possible hate or bias motivated incident' after newly opened Waterfront Canada Place vandalized

North Bay Canada Place vandalized North Bay police are looking into the hateful vandalism of a new space at the city's waterfront.

The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) is investigating after the newly opened North Bay Canada Place on Memorial Drive was defaced with hateful graffiti.

The waterfront installation was officially opened on Canada Day, July 1.

“An act of vandalism that occurred … at some time between the official opening and July 4,” police said in a news release.

“A portion of the installation was graffitied. Given the content of the graffiti, police are investigating the vandalism as a possible hate or bias-motivated incident.”

Markings were painted over the words ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ while the phrase “they have to go back” was painted with a stencil onto the concrete near the word diversity.

North Bay Canada Place is billed as an “inclusive gathering space featuring an accessible pathway, a large maple leaf design, integrated into the paving stones, and two flag poles.”

The graffiti was cleaned up Thursday afternoon.

NBPS said it takes reports of hate or bias motivated crimes seriously.

"The North Bay Police Service stands against bigotry, hate, and intolerance in all its forms," reads the news release.

“We work closely with community groups and leaders throughout North Bay to build a police service and community that is open, safe, and accepting of everyone regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, or ability.”

Police officials have asked anyone with information about the incident or who may have video of the area between July 1 to July 4 to provide it to NBPS by calling 705-497-5555, press 5 to speak with an officer or by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously.