Within hours of the discovery of racist vandalism on the sign at Lakeshore Racquets Club, taking place sometime overnight from Thursday, Sept. 12 to Friday, Sept. 13 the graffiti had been largely removed. 

The vandalism included an anti-Black slur, in red spray paint on the sign. 

The club was the site of one of several reports made to police on Sept. 13 at 5:24 a.m. of graffiti and intentional damage in the 13000 and 14000 blocks of Lakeshore Drive South.

According to a police statement, the initial investigation by officers points to possibly a group of youths being involved, although no suspects have been identified. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

鈥淚t is disturbing that someone in our community would intentionally damage public property, especially in areas frequented by families and visitors, but that they would use racist words and symbols is particularly disgusting,鈥� said Const. Patti Evans of the Summerland RCMP. 鈥淭he person who reported this crime and many other community members have expressed their disapproval and disdain for the language used and the crime committed.鈥�

The vandalism was quickly cleaned up, although some of the colour from the red spray paint was still visible on the sign.

News of the damage was posted on the Summerland: locals helping locals Facebook page, where commenters voiced their outrage about the vandalism. However, the post and the responses were quickly taken down.

Coun. Erin Trainer said the vandalism and graffiti was disturbing and disgusting.

鈥淭hese acts do not reflect the values of kindness, respect and community that I believe most of us in Summerland stand for,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his racism, hate and destruction of public spaces need to stop, and it鈥檚 up to every single one of us to lead by example. Call out this behaviour and report it.鈥�

Summerland has had multiple incidents of vandalism in the community during the summer of 2024. In July and August, vandalism has been reported in Memorial Park, at the Trout Creek trestle Bridge and the newly opened pier at Rotary Beach.

Anyone with information on this latest vandalism incident is asked to call the Summerland RCMP at 250-494-7416 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The previous year had further incidents of racism and hate.

One year before the most recent racist slur was posted, a similar anti-Black slur was displayed on the sign board at Summerland Secondary School. That incident occurred overnight on Sept. 9 to 10, 2023.

From June to September 2023, Summerland experienced other hate-based incidents, including other instances of racist graffiti and the removal of the Pride flag from a church.