Spray-painted messages in opposition to Canada Day events this week were cleaned up today (July 2).
"Cancel Canada Day" and other messages were seen at the TD Plaza in Coquitlam's Town Centre Park.
A sign promoting the city's drive-thru Canada Day event was damaged with the message “154 years of colonialism” and “murder and residential school" scrawled in black ink.
Handprints in red paint, "Every Child Matters," and genocide were among the messages painted on concrete and on the plaza canopy.
Contracted workers spent several hours cleaning up today (July 2), according to the city.
Staff were alerted to the markings throughout Town Centre Park early in the morning on Thursday (July 1).
“The work to clean up the mess should be completed today,” a city of Coquitlam spokesperson said.
Both Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam held modified Canada Day events and encouraged residents to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and what it means to be Canadian.
Port Moody cancelled its Canada Day event.
Also in Port Coquitlam, a “No Pride in Genocide: Cancel Canada Day” march was held with ceremonies at Lions Park and a march to PoCo city hall. The event was not related to the graffiti at Town Centre Park.
