Parking anti-racism messages where they’ll be noticed
Look closer at the signage when you’re driving through Parkdale, because not everything is as it seems.
An official-looking street sign in support of the Black Lives Matter movement appeared among a collection of city parking signs at Queen Street West and O’Hara Avenue in the Parkdale neighbourhood sometime around Oct.1, according to locals.
The sign, which looked like an ordinary parking notice, reads “Black Lives Matter 24/7, 365 days a year.” Locals said they don’t know who was behind the gesture, but the sentiment drew support on social media.
“I have heard nothing but positive replies about this!” said local resident Arlene Lott to the Star.
Lott posted a picture of the sign to Facebook on Oct. 7, where it racked up more than 300 reactions and many positive comments. “I love our city. I really do,” wrote one commenter.
Lott recalled joking with her colleague that the sign’s creator should receive a prize for clever messaging.
“I love a subversive artist with a great social message,” she said.
The city of Toronto said in a statement that it recognized “the importance for residents to express their views, help create an inclusive community and raise awareness of racism in our city.”
However, the city noted that bylaws don’t let citizens post signs on city infrastructure.
“Staff continue to investigate the matter and will make plans to remove the sign after an appropriate amount of time and with consultation,” it said.
In the meantime, Lott hopes the sign inspires more of the same: “Keep ’em coming, I say!”