Police investigating hateful graffiti on Ottawa City Hall, courthouse
OTTAWA -
Ottawa police are investigating after someone spray-painted hateful and anti-Semitic graffiti on downtown buildings.
Police were first alerted to the graffiti at around 8:20 a.m. Monday, they said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.
At the courthouse on Elgin Street, a homophobic message was spray-painted on one wall, while a swastika was painted on the provincial government sign out front.
A message targeting the mayor that said "Jim Watson is a fraud" was also spray-painted across the Heritage Building at Ottawa City Hall.
Speaking to CTV News Ottawa, the mayor said he wants to sit down and talk to whoever did it.
"Very troubled and angered by it. What would it take to motivate people to be that hateful in their hearts to spray homophobic slurs and swastika?" Watson said.
"We live in a caring society, but this type of ugliness rears its head from time to time, and we have to speak out against it, We have to let the police do their work and hopefully find the people and bring them through the judicial system and question why would they have such hate in their heart to attack someone who is Jewish, gay or racialized in our society?"
Andrea Freedman, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa, condemned the graffiti.
"It is a sign and symbol of the systematic murder of six million jews and the terrorization of so many more, so to see that spray painted on the institution that upholds justice, a key Canadian value, is very distressing," Freedman said. "I would love to tell you that I was surprised, but I wasn’t. The horror never diminished, but surprised? I can't say that I was."
The Hate and Bias Crime Unit is investigating.
The graffiti has since been washed away.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Parliament on the road to an unprecedented confidence crisis, but there are off-ramps
If no political party is willing to say uncle, the drawn-out stalemate in the House of Commons is heading for an unprecedented situation that could amount to a tacit lack of confidence in the government, without anyone in Parliament casting a vote.
'We're not the bad boy': Charity pushes back on claims made by 101-year-old widow in $40M will dispute
Centenarian Mary McEachern says she knew what her husband wanted when he died. The problem is, his will says otherwise.
Doctors say RFK Jr.’s anti-Ozempic stance perpetuates stigma and misrepresents evidence
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to tackle high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity as President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services. They’re goals that many in the public health world find themselves agreeing with — despite fearing what else the infamous anti-vaccine activist may do in the post.
Danielle Smith '1,000 per cent' in favour of ousting Mexico from trilateral trade deal with U.S. and Canada
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she agrees it could be time to cut Mexico out of the trilateral free trade agreement with Canada and the United States.
Tropical Storm Sara nears landfall in Belize after drenching Honduras
Storm Sara neared landfall in Belize on Sunday, where forecasters expect heavy rain to cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
'Have you been to the moon?': Scout groups contact International Space Station
Windsor-Essex Scout groups spent their Saturday afternoon making a long-distance call to the International Space Station (ISS).
How a viral, duct-taped banana came to be worth US$1 million
The yellow banana fixed to the white wall with silver duct tape is a work entitled 'Comedian,' by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. It first debuted in 2019 as an edition of three fruits at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair, where it became a much-discussed sensation.
Pope Francis calls for investigation to determine if Israel's attacks in Gaza constitute 'genocide'
Pope Francis has called for an investigation to determine if Israel's attacks in Gaza constitute genocide, according to excerpts released Sunday from an upcoming new book ahead of the pontiff's jubilee year.
Russia grinds deeper into Ukraine after 1,000 days of grueling war
When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine in February 2022, the conventional wisdom was that the capital, Kyiv, would soon fall and the rest of the country wouldn't last long against a much larger enemy.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Atlantic
-
Heritage lost: Halifax has lost 87 per cent of its heritage buildings, new study says
A new project mapping Halifax's architectural heritage shows the city has lost most of its historical structures.
-
Saint John Santa Claus Parade returns to the city to launch holiday season
The Saint John Santa Claus Parade drew thousands of residents to uptown Saint John hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.
-
Tom Forrestall, beloved Nova Scotia artist and Atlantic realism pioneer, dies at 88
Tom Forrestall, a celebrated Nova Scotia artist remembered for pioneering the Atlantic realism tradition, died at the age of 88 on Friday.
Toronto
-
Female victim dead, man in custody after police called to Oshawa home
Durham Regional Police say they're investigating a homicide after a woman was found with “visible injuries” at a home in Oshawa.
-
Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors
Jayson Tatum hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 126-123 on Saturday night.
-
Infant taken to hospital after being hit by vehicle in downtown Toronto
An infant is in hospital after being hit by the driver of a vehicle in downtown Toronto Saturday night.
Montreal
-
Québec Solidaire members to submit emergency motion supporting Bouazzi
Québec Solidaire MNA Haroun Bouazzi’s comments about alleged racism in the National Assembly are sowing division within his party.
-
NDG's Oxford Café celebrates 80th birthday
Oxford Café, a restaurant in Montreal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood, marks a major milestone as they celebrate 80 years since the original restaurant opened.
-
Former CTV Montreal anchor Bill Haugland received lifetime achievement award
Former CTV Montreal anchor Bill Haugland was honoured this weekend by the Quebec Federation of Professional Journalists with a lifetime achievement award.
Northern Ontario
-
Police in Canada collected wreckage after object shot down over Lake Huron
Newly released documents show the Royal Canadian Mounted Police collected wreckage after an unidentified object was shot down over Lake Huron in February of last year.
-
Teacher charged with sex assault of a minor at a school in northern Ont.
A 72-year-old teacher from Blind River has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving two victims under the age of 16.
-
Timmins, Ont., rock band sets new world record Friday
The Timmins rock band Miners and Sons have made history. The group performed a rock concert in the world’s deepest base metal mine below sea level, breaking a Guinness World Record.
Windsor
-
'Have you been to the moon?': Scout groups contact International Space Station
Windsor-Essex Scout groups spent their Saturday afternoon making a long-distance call to the International Space Station (ISS).
-
Essex OPP investigating home invasion in Leamington
Police say they were called to the scene at around 5:00 a.m., where at a residence on Robson Road, two unknown individuals entered a residence and confronted two occupants.
-
One person sent to hospital following Belle River incident
One person was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following an incident in Belle River on Saturday.
London
-
Festive celebrations in London, starting this Friday
London will have lots of events on tap to celebrate the holiday season this winter – with a variety of festive offerings.
-
St. Thomas police investigating armed robbery
In the evening, police were contacted by a resident that reported they were approached by a man in the downtown core selling clothing out of his car.
-
Plenty of ties to Southwestern Ont. competing in 111th Grey Cup game in Vancouver
Plenty of ties to Southwestern Ont. competing in 111th Grey Cup game in Vancouver
Kitchener
-
Kitchener-Waterloo Santa Claus parade returns for another year
Kids and the young-at-heart lined Weber Street to catch a glimpse at old saint nick as the Lions Club of Kitchener held it’s annual Santa Claus Parade Saturday morning.
-
One person injured in crash at The Boardwalk
One person has been taken to hospital after a crash at The Boardwalk shopping centre in Kitchener.
-
Former Waterloo, Ont. school principal pleads guilty to luring, sending sexually explicit material
A former elementary school principal in Waterloo, Ont. has pleaded guilty to charges that include luring and transmitting sexually explicit material to someone believed to be under the age of 16.
Barrie
-
Man suffers with signs of hypothermia after water rescue
One person was left with signs of hypothermia after being rescued from Kempenfelt Bay in the early hours of the morning.
-
Two arrested in ‘violent’ overnight incidents
Police in Barrie are investigating what is being described as a series of ‘violent’ incidents that occurred early Saturday morning.
-
Police search for suspects who allegedly stole three bottles from LCBO
Nottawasaga OPP are searching for two suspects who were involved in an alleged theft at a store in Alliston this week.
Winnipeg
-
Mother and daughter dead after semi fails to stop at intersection: Manitoba RCMP
An eight-year-old girl and her mother have died after a collision involving two vehicles in southern Manitoba.
-
Manitoba founding father Louis Riel honoured on 139th anniversary of execution
Nearly 140 years after Louis Riel’s death, dozens gathered to remember Manitoba’s founding father at his gravesite.
-
IN PICTURES
IN PICTURES Santa Claus Parade takes over downtown Winnipeg
The Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade returns today at 5 p.m. and be streamed live on CTV News Winnipeg.ca.
Calgary
-
1 dead, 7 injured in 2-vehicle crash near Brooks
RCMP believe poor road conditions may have been a contributing factor in a two-vehicle crash near Brooks that killed a 51-year old woman.
-
Tree lighting at Spruce Meadows marks the launch of holiday market
There was a tree lighting ceremony at Spruce Meadows Friday night.
-
Preliminary findings of Bearspaw feeder main investigation indicate multiple factors for failure
The city released preliminary findings of an investigation into the failure of the Bearspaw South feeder main late Friday afternoon suggesting that there were a number of factors behind its failure.
Edmonton
-
Danielle Smith echoes Doug Ford's concerns about Mexico trade, hopes for 'carve out'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is echoing concerns about Mexico that were expressed earlier this week by Ontario's premier, saying she hopes Canada can get a "carve-out" from import tariffs that president-elect Donald Trump is promising.
-
Mitch Marner scores in overtime as Maple Leafs down Oilers 4-3
Mitch Marner scored 40 seconds into overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 on Saturday night.
-
'We're not the bad boy': Charity pushes back on claims made by 101-year-old widow in $40M will dispute
Centenarian Mary McEachern says she knew what her husband wanted when he died. The problem is, his will says otherwise.
Regina
-
'Birth of a nation': Annual Louis Riel Vigil Walk takes place in Regina
Members from Métis Nation Saskatchewan along with residents paid tribute to the leader of the Métis people Saturday at the 15th annual Louis Riel Vigil Walk.
-
Santa Claus parade coming to Regina on Sunday
Christmas is fast approaching, and the Santa Claus parade is back to help people get into the spirit.
-
U of R Rams miss shot at Vanier Cup after losing Mitchell Bowl
The University of Regina Rams fell just short of a trip to the Vanier Cup after losing 17-14 to Laval University at the Mitchell Bowl on Saturday.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon sudden death deemed homicide: Police
Saskatoon police say the sudden death reported Friday evening is now deemed as the city’s 13th homicide.
-
Several collisions reported following freezing rain in Saskatoon
Saskatoon police responded to several collisions involving multiple vehicles Saturday morning following freezing rain and icy road conditions in Saskatoon.
-
Tim Hortons kicks off cookie campaign with wheelchair basketball
At Ecole Canadienne-Francaise the Sask. Wheelchair Sports Association is making cookies. This is to kick off the annual Tim Hortons cookie campaign.
Vancouver
-
East Vancouver bids farewell to its iconic, polka dot property
An iconic home famous for its polka-dotted exterior will soon be torn down, marking the end of an era for East Vancouver residents.
-
Co-owner of B.C. boat can't gift it to ex, must keep paying shared expenses, CRT rules
A former couple who bought a boat together took their post-breakup fight over its expenses to B.C.'s small claims tribunal.
-
B.C. Shania Twain impersonator leads documentary on the booming business of tribute bands
Swathed in a black, sequined catsuit, with a luxe cowboy hat tipped to the crowd, you could be forgiven, in a certain light, for mistaking Michelle Reid for the real deal.
Vancouver Island
-
Co-owner of B.C. boat can't gift it to ex, must keep paying shared expenses, CRT rules
A former couple who bought a boat together took their post-breakup fight over its expenses to B.C.'s small claims tribunal.
-
B.C. Shania Twain impersonator leads documentary on the booming business of tribute bands
Swathed in a black, sequined catsuit, with a luxe cowboy hat tipped to the crowd, you could be forgiven, in a certain light, for mistaking Michelle Reid for the real deal.
-
Heavy rain mixed with strong winds hitting B.C. south coast over the weekend
Residents in Metro Vancouver will likely be getting out their umbrellas this weekend as the region faces heavy rain and wind.
Kelowna
-
Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops
Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops.
-
Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior
British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year.
-
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
