The District of Muskoka has launched a new online tool to help track incidents of hate and support ongoing efforts to create safer, more inclusive communities.
The Hate Stops Here Portal is part of the District’s response to recommendations from the 2022 Hate-Free Muskoka Symposium, where community members identified the need for a formal way to track hate incidents across the region.
The portal includes four sections:
- 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.
What happens with a report?
Reports submitted through the portal help the District and community partners identify patterns, shape awareness campaigns, and inform long-term decisions. No immediate action is taken.
This data also helps police build evidence that may lead to incidents being classified as hate crimes in the future.
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. For emergencies, call 911.
“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.”
The District is encouraging residents to visit the portal, take a stand against hate, and help build a Muskoka where everyone feels safe and included.
Definition of Hate incident: “Hate incidents involve hateful behaviours which may or may not be prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code, that are not covered by the Criminal Code of Canada but are motivated by bias against a victim’s race, religion, ethnic/national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation, and that are not criminal acts. A hate incident means any act or omission, whether criminal or not, that expresses bias, prejudice, bigotry, or contempt toward a vulnerable or disadvantaged community or its members. A vulnerable or disadvantaged community is any group or community identified as such on the basis of characteristics protected by the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
Definition of Hate crime: “For the purposes of this protocol, a hate crime involves communicating statements, other than in private conversation, which willfully incites or promotes hatred against any identifiable group based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other similar factor, or willfully promotes antisemitism by condoning, denying or downplaying the Holocaust. In addition, the Criminal Code of Canada (the Criminal Code) provides for enhanced sentencing powers when a crime is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate.”
For more information and to explore the Hate Stops Here Portal, click HERE.
From the District Municipality of Muskoka
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