4 people charged after vandalism to Pride crosswalk, band stand in Smiths Falls, Ont.

Images shared by the Town of Smiths Falls, Ont. show graffiti on town property, including a Pride crosswalk and a gazebo. (Town of Smiths Falls/release)

Four teens are facing charges in connection with graffiti found on municipal property in Smiths Falls, Ont. last month.

The Smiths Falls Police Service said it launched an investigation on May 26 into “hate related mischief” at the Town Hall band stand and the Pride crosswalk at Beckwith Street North and Church Street West.

Police did not say what the graffiti was, but Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said that it was discriminatory and intolerant.

Photos shared by the Town of Smiths Falls showed graffiti on a Pride crosswalk and on the gazebo outside Town Hall.

On Thursday, police announced four 18-year-olds are facing charges of hate related mischief over $5,000.

“Through assistance of security surveillance footage, investigating officers were able to identify four suspects,” police said in a media release.

The four will appear in court at a later date.

“I want to make it clear that anyone who wishes to come to this town to destroy or deface any structures or cross walks, we won’t let you get away with it,” Chief Jodi Empey said in a statement.

“I understand one of the males already wishes to make amends, which is a positive first step. As it goes through the court process, I am hopeful for accountability, restitution and restorative justice for them to understand the impact this has on individuals living here and those who must repair or clean the graffiti. I’m thankful for Public Works and parks staff for cleaning this up quickly.”

The Town of Smiths Falls installed two rainbow crosswalks at the corner of Church Street and Beckwith Street in 2023. The crosswalks have been the target of vandalism before.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond

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