Paint spilled on rainbow crosswalk at Mac
Hamilton police are investigating after white paint was spilled across a rainbow crosswalk, representing LGBTQ pride, at the entrance to McMaster University.
Const. Jerome Stewart said police believe the spill at the crosswalk — at the intersection of Forsyth Avenue North and Sterling Street — happened before 6 a.m. Friday.
Police expect to provide an update early next week, Stewart added.
McMaster spokesperson Gord Arbeau said the university is concerned and is also investigating.
On Friday morning, crews worked at the scene to clean up the paint.
“The crosswalk is an initiative of the city that’s fully supported by McMaster and we are working together to clean up the street and entrance way,” Arbeau said.
Black tire marks on the rainbow crosswalk at City Hall have also drawn concern.
There are three rainbow crosswalks in the city. They were painted to send a message of inclusion after a motion by Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Coun. Aidan Johnson this year.
Johnson, Hamilton’s first openly LGBTQ councillor, said he’s looking forward to the result of the investigation.
“There is a significant possibility that this is anti-queer vandalism,” he said, calling all forms of hate “repugnant.”
“I am appalled by the possibility that this wrecking of our rainbow crosswalk may be deliberate and hateful.” noreilly@thespec.com 905-526-3199 | @NicoleatTheSpec