Richmond candidates call defaced and destroyed campaign signs a shock

Campaign signs belonging to Advance Richmond were spray-painted and damaged last week in Richmond, the slate’s president, Kevin Lai, said. At Railway Avenue and Blundell Street, the two-by-four frames holding the signs were torn apart. Signs for mayoral candidate Alexa Loo and Richmond Strong were also defaced in the city. Advance Richmond volunteers discovered damage in several separate incidents while canvassing door to door. Lai said the frames could not simply be broken by hand and that someone would need a tool, such as a hammer. He said the signs had been deliberately destroyed.

Vandalizing, stealing or destroying campaign signs is a criminal offence under Canada’s Criminal Code and falls under mischief. Deliberate damage could lead to criminal or provincial charges; penalties depend on the value of the damage and the circumstances. Someone who enters private property to deface a sign could also face a provincial trespassing fine. Lai said the slate did not believe it had many controversial issues that would prompt someone to destroy its signs. He called the damage shocking.

During the election campaign, several Advance Richmond signs were placed illegally along Hazelbridge Way over the weekend. Lai told Richmond News that volunteers were helping candidates put up signs and had tried to understand where they were permitted. He said one volunteer may not have fully understood the rules. The City of Richmond contacted Advance Richmond about the signs, and Lai said the slate responded quickly and tries to correct any issue as soon as possible.

Lai said there are two elections underway, leaving the team short of available help despite having many volunteers. Many still have jobs and can only volunteer after hours.