Warning: This story contains an image of a swastika
As the federal government takes steps to address hate speech, residents in St. Thomas, Ont., are feeling anxious after a neighbor mowed a Nazi symbol into his front yard.
Provincial police were present at the home on Friday afternoon following complaints, OPP spokesperson Derek Rogers stated in an email, adding that the force “sympathizes with those who find this act both offensive and disturbing.”
Residents say the swastika was cut into the lawn last Thursday. The symbol spans the entire area of the brick bungalow’s front yard and is clearly visible from the street.
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Neighbours say this pro-Nazi symbol was mowed into the lawn in front of this Elgin County home last Thursday. A Facebook account that appears to belong to one of the homeowner’s has images of swastikas and other Nazi symbols. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)
Neighbors who spoke with CBC News mentioned they’ve been interviewed by the OPP regarding the swastika, and that an OPP vehicle was stationed across from the house all day Friday.
Keith Ridler noted that the home changed ownership last November. Since then, he and other neighbors have frequently heard loud music coming from outside.
“I think the guy should be arrested, no question,” said Ridler.
Another neighbor – who has a Jewish relative and wished to remain anonymous – expressed her discomfort about having what she views as a hate symbol displayed in their usually peaceful neighborhood, which features houses backing onto a corn field.
“It’s disturbing,” she said. “We’ve had issues with that house all summer.”
WATCH | Nazi symbol on the lawn:
Swastika mowed into front lawn of home in Elgin County
Provincial police officers are looking into complaints from neighbors after a large Nazi symbol was carved into a home’s front yard on St. Thomas’s eastern edge.
Property records identify Timothy Van Sickle and Julia Majkutewicz as owners of the residence. No one answered when a reporter knocked or rang their doorbell on Friday.
The bungalow is located on Centennial Avenue’s east side, part of Central Elgin Municipality. Homes directly across belong to St. Thomas city limits, about 20 kilometers south of London.
The owners purchased this home in November 2024 for $620,000 based on public records.
A doormat outside reads “Come back with a warrant,” while a Facebook page linked to Van Sickle includes an image of that doormat along with mentions about disputes with neighbors.
This Facebook account also displays various Nazi symbols including swastikas and references to Adolf Hitler. The profile name is “Timothy Adolf Van Sickler.”
WATCH | Anti-hate legislation tabled:
Justice minister introduces new hate crime legislationAttorney General and Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced new legislation on Friday in Ottawa introducing four Criminal Code offences; one will criminalize promoting hatred against identifiable groups publicly using specific hate-related or terrorism-related symbols.
Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada, stated this “disgusting incident” highlights why stronger laws are necessary for preventing open displays of hate symbols.
“It is unacceptable that nearly 80 years removed from the Holocaust that members of our community are weaponizing the hakenkreuz [swastika] and other Nazi iconography,” he said.
Robertson noted under current laws displaying a Nazi symbol alone might not meet legal definitions for hate speech unless deemed part of intentional public incitement against hatred.
That’s why he emphasized welcoming Bill C-9 introduced on Friday would make it illegal to intentionally promote hatred against identifiable groups publicly using certain hate symbols.
“If police determine there was intent to promote hatred against an identifiable group then charges could be applied under forthcoming legislation,” he explained.
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Swastika mowed into front lawn of home in Elgin County
Provincial police officers are looking into complaints from neighbors after a large Nazi symbol was carved into a home’s front yard on St. Thomas’s eastern edge.
Property records identify Timothy Van Sickle and Julia Majkutewicz as owners of the residence. No one answered when a reporter knocked or rang their doorbell on Friday.
The bungalow is located on Centennial Avenue’s east side, part of Central Elgin Municipality. Homes directly across belong to St. Thomas city limits, about 20 kilometers south of London.
The owners purchased this home in November 2024 for $620,000 based on public records.
A doormat outside reads “Come back with a warrant,” while a Facebook page linked to Van Sickle includes an image of that doormat along with mentions about disputes with neighbors.
This Facebook account also displays various Nazi symbols including swastikas and references to Adolf Hitler. The profile name is “Timothy Adolf Van Sickler.”
WATCH | Anti-hate legislation tabled:
Justice minister introduces new hate crime legislationAttorney General and Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced new legislation on Friday in Ottawa introducing four Criminal Code offences; one will criminalize promoting hatred against identifiable groups publicly using specific hate-related or terrorism-related symbols.
Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy at B’nai Brith Canada, stated this “disgusting incident” highlights why stronger laws are necessary for preventing open displays of hate symbols.
“It is unacceptable that nearly 80 years removed from the Holocaust that members of our community are weaponizing the hakenkreuz [swastika] and other Nazi iconography,” he said.
Robertson noted under current laws displaying a Nazi symbol alone might not meet legal definitions for hate speech unless deemed part of intentional public incitement against hatred.
That’s why he emphasized welcoming Bill C-9 introduced on Friday would make it illegal to intentionally promote hatred against identifiable groups publicly using certain hate symbols.
“If police determine there was intent to promote hatred against an identifiable group then charges could be applied under forthcoming legislation,” he explained.Source link
