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91ƵWhat level of hate lives inside a human91Ƶs heart?91Ƶ: Salmon Arm rainbow crosswalks targeted

60-foot black burnout left on what was created as a public art project
32468297_web1_230419-SAA-Crosswalk-vandalized

Hate spilled onto the street in Salmon Arm on Thursday night, April 13.

A vehicle left a heavy black strip of rubber across two rainbow crosswalks on Hudson Avenue, two of the three that were created in July 2021 as a public art project next to the Salmon Arm Arts Centre.

Thanks to residents and businesses which keep an eye on the neighbourhood, Tracey Kutschker, Salmon Arm Arts Centre91Ƶs curator, has learned it occurred between 9 and 10:30 p.m. on April 13.

Although it looks like it was done by a vehicle with a single tire, it was more likely done by a four-wheeled vehicle with the required differential.

The crosswalks were designed as a public art project, so they were designed to last, she said, which makes it even more frustrating.

91ƵI think people think they91Ƶre expressing their opinions on this91Ƶ91Ƶ

She said she91Ƶs done ignoring it and pretending it91Ƶs a prank.

91ƵThis is a hate crime. It91Ƶs a targeted thing. They91Ƶre doing it on the rainbow crosswalk.91Ƶ

When it has happened before, it has made her think there91Ƶs more education, more events, more awareness-building needed.

91ƵWhen something like this happens in Salmon Arm, it gives the world the message we91Ƶre a hateful place.91Ƶ

She said she is sickened that people who are 2SLGBTQ+ must look at the mark and see the message it conveys.

91ƵIt makes me feel sick inside. I have to roll over that thing every day 91Ƶ so do my staff and the people I91Ƶm trying to protect.91Ƶ

Someone did two-wheeled lines on the other rainbow crosswalk at that corner the night before. A person watching got their licence plate number and saw them stop a block away, texting on their phone.

91ƵThis is more serious than some teenage doing a prank; there are some full-grown adult men out there also doing it,91Ƶ she said.

Such actions are a criminal act, she said, which is not understood by some people.

91ƵIf they think they can damage public art, and go away and brag about it, thinking it91Ƶs funny, they91Ƶre not understanding the consequences.91Ƶ

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Kutschker posted on social media after it occurred.

91ƵWhat level of hate lives inside a human91Ƶs heart to leave a 60-foot burnout on something colourful and beautiful? Rainbow crosswalks are not created for people to express their opinions onto. They are works of public art created to give visibility to a caring and inclusive community. In this case, Salmon Arm sends folks in the 2SLGBTQ+ community a different message. What can we do to prevent this kind of vandalism, and to restore faith that we are welcoming, loving and accepting people? My staff of four travel to and from work each day over these crosswalks, as do hundreds of other individuals whose safety I care about. I can91Ƶt ignore these crimes any longer. I will be seeking action.91Ƶ

Her message was met with several messages expressing disappointment, anger, sadness and, most of all, support for everyone hurt by such an action.

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Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
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