Collingwood council has passed several measures to promote inclusively.
At a special online council meeting on Wednesday evening, councillors voted in favour of amending the town’s sign by-law to allow the town to remove without notice, or order removed, any sign or decoration for an unlawful activity, profanity or message that is offensive or discriminatory.
Town staff will investigate the concept of a Municipal Charter of Human Rights that would redefine how the town approaches and responds to the social issues that affect the well-being of residents.
The town will also work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to petition the provincial government to enact legislation that would enable municipalities to make enforceable decisions regarding symbols deemed unacceptable by the local community.
The town will also contact the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to petition the Federal government to strengthen hate speech laws.
In June, several residents called on the town to ban symbols of hate, in particular, the Confederate flag, which had been on display outside a home on Ninth Street and since removed.