A rainbow Pride bench has been stolen from a parkette next to Wellspring Niagara, opposite the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill. The theft was discovered on Monday, according to Town communications specialist Leah Letford, who said that police have been notified.
On Tuesday, the Town posted an appeal on Facebook for information leading to the bench's return.
Asked for comment, Mayor Marvin Junkin said that he was both sad and disappointed.
"Sadness, because such feelings are still prevalent in our town, and disappointed that these culprits manifested these feelings into senseless vandalism."
CAO David Cribbs echoed Junkin's sentiments.
"It is deeply disappointing that someone has so much anger, hatred and/or contempt in their heart, as to go through the considerable effort of removing a bench that is bolted to the ground, simply because it acknowledges the existence of different ways of being human."
Cribbs said that LGBTQ2S+ people live in both Pelham and Niagara, and are as much a part of the community as any other group.
"LGBTQ2S+ people have experienced enough hatred and discrimination in the past, that I would think we could all tolerate the presence of a few multi-coloured benches, as a demonstration of acceptance by the community."
The bench, which was installed by the Town this past spring, has already been replaced by Public Works staff, and Cribbs said that the Town will not be deterred.
"The Town will continue to repair and replace these benches because symbolism, representation and belonging matter. I would encourage anyone who has knowledge of this theft to either call police or crime stoppers."
A previous theft of two Pride benches in the weeks before Christmas in 2021 garnered widespread condemnation. They reappeared after about a week, left hanging on a fence next to the storm water management pond near Rice Road and Highway 20.
