I want to take a moment to address a deeply troubling incident that occurred in our town last week.

As many of you know, several locations in Whitby were defaced with anti-Muslim graffiti.

This hateful act has no place in our community and stands in direct opposition to the values of respect, diversity and inclusion define our town.

To those in our Muslim community, I want to say this clearly: you are welcome, you are valued, and you belong here.

---

When these incidents were reported last Tuesday, I was immediately in contact with Town staff, Durham police, and leaders in our Muslim community, including our local mosques, Muslim Welfare and the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

I want to thank Town staff for supporting the affected property owners in removing the graffiti as quickly as possible. 

This prompt response sent a strong message that hate will not be tolerated in Whitby.

I also want to thank Durham Regional Police Service for launching an investigation and sharing images of the suspect with the public in an effort to identify the person responsible.

I encourage anyone who may have information to contact police at 905-579-1520 or to make an anonymous tip to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

---

These recent incidents of Islamophobic hate occurred not long after several incidents of antisemitic vandalism in our community.

This is part of a deeply concerning trend of increasing hate crimes across Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes rose by 32 per cent in 2023 — which was the third significant increase in the last four years.

This is an incredibly serious and complex problem that requires support from all three levels of government.

Here in Durham, a lot of excellent work is being done by the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce:

• This group has worked with Durham police to launch a “See the Hate, Stop the Hate” campaign that helps members of the public understand hate-motivated crimes and how to report them.
• In response to growing incidents of hate, there is also an upcoming Community Connections event on June 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax. Hosted by anti-racism taskforce and the Region of Durham, this dialogue on diversity, equity and inclusion will feature a panel discussion facilitated by equity consultant Camille Dundas.
• Work is also underway to develop new anti-hate resources though a Canadian Race Relations Federation grant. This work will culminate with an anti-hate conference here in Durham in November 2025
• And finally, Region of Durham staff will be bringing a report to committee next month about developing an anti-hate protocol.

---

These are important steps forward.

But it will take work from all of us to make a difference.

We must speak out when we witness hate. We must listen to and uplift the voices of those targeted by it.
And we must continue working together to build a Whitby that is safe and welcoming for everyone.

Hate will never define our town -- because we won’t let it.
What will define us is how we respond. With unity and a commitment to stand up for one another.

Thank you. 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca