A new online tool has been launched by the District of Muskoka to track incidents of hate and aid ongoing efforts to create safer and more inclusive communities.
The Hate Stops Here Portal is the district’s response to recommendations from the 2022 Hate-Free Muskoka Symposium in which members of the community brought to their attention the need to have a formal way to manage hate incidents in the region.
There are four sections in this portal:
About IDEA: Explaining what Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) means, and the role of the IDEA Advisory Group.
Report Hate Here: Giving residents a way to report incidents of hate to help track trends, identify concerns, and guide future District policies and actions.
Projects and Initiatives: Highlighting IDEA-related work and community projects across Muskoka.
Take a Stand Against Hate: Encouraging residents to join the movement, share their commitment online using #HateFreeMuskoka, and access educational resources, victim supports, and bystander intervention tips.
According to officials, reports submitted to the portal will help District and community partners find patterns and inform long-term decisions. No immediate action will be taken.
Officials said reports will also provide data to help police build evidence which may lead to incidents being classified as hate crimes in the future.
“Every person deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in Muskoka,” said IDEA Advisory Group Chair, Mark Nakamura. “This portal is an important step forward in tracking and understanding how hate shows up in our communities, and in working together to stop it. By reporting incidents, residents are helping us build a more inclusive Muskoka for everyone.”
For more information, visit Hate Stops Here – The District Municipality of Muskoka
The portal is not an emergency response tool. Residents who experience or witness a hate crime should call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or for emergencies call 911.
