Sault Police is investigating a series of incidents involving graffiti made over the weekend with black spray paint — including a disturbing incident caught on camera outside Algoma Steel.
On Saturday in Jamestown, neighbourhood residents posted photos of a hateful anti-Indigenous slogan that was painted on a concrete traffic barrier on steel plant property.
One photo posted anonymously includes a man seen from the back who appeared to be in the process of painting the message with black spray paint.
The photo appears to depict a male with a medium build, medium-length dark hair, a white ball cap and white T-shirt, dark shorts and black shoes and socks.
Laura Devoni, director of corporate affairs for Algoma Steel, confirmed on Tuesday that the company removed the graffiti.
"The message was sprayed on a barrier at the edge of our property facing a city street," said Devoni. "We notified the authorities and then promptly removed the message."
Also on Saturday, the words 'paint it black' were spray painted in bold letters on the Pride crosswalk at Spring and Bay streets. It was the second time the crosswalk has been defaced in the three months since it was moved to that location.
Lincoln Louttit, spokesperson for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, said both incidents were reported to the police.
"The incidents are currently under investigation," said Louttit.
Asked if the acts of vandalism could be considered hate-motivated crimes, Louttit said "all potential aspects of criminality will be considered during the investigations."
Devoni noted that Algoma Steel acknowledges that the company operates within Robinson-Huron Treaty Territory, which is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe People — specifically the Batchewana and Garden River First Nations.
"Our relationship with both communities is of key importance for Algoma Steel," she said.
Tonight, city council will discuss creating a graffiti subcommittee of the city’s cultural vitality committee.