Controversial billboard taken down outside Dresden

(Chatham Voice)

A controversial billboard, located outside of Dresden, was taken down on Monday evening.

In the wake of the “removal of controversial messages on a billboard at Kent Bridge Road and Countryview Line” the Municipality of Chatham-Kent provided a statement to the media about the issue.

“The municipality became aware of the billboard late last week and began an investigation into whether it violated any bylaws or regulations over which the municipality has control,” Municipal officials stated.

“The Chatham-Kent Police Service was in the process of determining whether the message violated the Criminal Code of Canada. While conducting those investigations, the content was removed.”

Municipal officials added: “The billboard is on private property and the municipality was not contacted in advance regarding its content, nor was it advised as to its removal.

As tweeted last week, Chatham-Kent is a welcoming community, Municipal officials say.

“In fact, Chatham-Kent was designated as Canada’s first welcoming community for Syrian refugees two years ago and recently proclaimed Pride Week.”

“Chatham-Kent held its first Pride parade and the dedication of a rainbow crosswalk earlier this month,” Municipal officials stated.

“As in any community, there are people who hold different views on a variety of subjects, however, Chatham-Kent Mayor and Council have demonstrated through their leadership and actions that we welcome an open, inclusive and diverse community.”

Marianne Wilson, president of the Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association, said in a Chatham Voice article the billboard – located at the intersection of Highway 21, Kent Bridge Road and Countryview Line south of Dresden – had to go, as it had “attacked the very soul” of Chatham-Kent.

“We are very happy to have this message no longer in the landscape, and it has inspired our community to continue to celebrate the diversity and love that is represented in Chatham-Kent,” she said in a statement.

“This experience shows us all that our work is not done. We will continue to embrace the inclusivity, love and unity that exists. We will continue to build an open and safe community for everyone.”

Read the full Voice article, here.

Read the original article about the sign going up, here.

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