KINCARDINE, ON – In recent days, the Municipality of Kincardine has seen an increase of anti-black sentiment expressed online through various social media platforms as well as our own social media sites.

We condemn any racism in the strongest terms, but as we navigate the discussion of the Secord monument, we particularly condemn anti-black racism. We are reporting all racist remarks posted on Municipality of Kincardine social media channels to the relevant host platform and forwarding them to the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.)

There have also been veiled threats surrounding the Afro-Centric mural at the Davidson Centre following its disingenuous affiliation to the discussion of the Secord monument. The reporting of vandalism or the defacing of municipal property to the O.P.P. is standard procedure and this will absolutely be the case for the Afro-Centric mural should vandalism occur. The Municipality of Kincardine will support the prosecution of the perpetrators to the fullest authority of the law.

We encourage civil and respectful conversations concerning the Secord monument. While we appreciate the differing perspectives on this discussion, we will not tolerate racist remarks or comments with racial undertones.

Considering recent developments, we urge the unity of all residents. At this time we continue to support and stand with the Black community of the Municipality of Kincardine through informed, respectful, and thoughtful conversations.