Those signs that keep popping up around the city critical of Ward 5 Coun. Bob Kirwan — often referring to the polarizing elected official as "Kirwanker" — aren't harrassment unless he were to complain and likely don't constitute mischief, Greater Sudbury Police say.
The signs, or more accurately, banners, have popped up in various locations around the city since early May. The messages on the banners have varied. One called for his impeachment (which is impossible since you can't impeach a politician in Ontario), others were variations on the "wanker" theme, including "WanKirwan," "Kirwan = Wank!r" and "Kirwanker." A little more elaborate than simply spray-painting words on a bed sheet, some thought obviously went into the design of the banners.
But while they may be annoying, they aren't likely criminal.
Greater Sudbury Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said they have had reports about the signs, but only from the media.
"There hasn't been a report to police from a complainant," Dunn said. "I don't believe it would be considered mischief because they're not defacing property."
If Kirwan complained, she said police would look into the matter to determine if anything criminal was going on.
"It would be investigated as harassment," she said. "We would try, obviously, to gather any video footage that would be in the area to identify a potential suspect or who has been putting them up. But not until it's reported to police by a complainant."
Kirwan himself isn't bothered by them. In fact, he finds it somewhat amusing. And he said he has no plans to call police. If anything, the signs are getting supporters of the Kingsway – and of him – more fired up.
"These signs are annoying, but you know what? It's almost becoming comical,” he said. “It's a great conversation starter. I've only seen three of them, I don't know if there's more out there.
"When I got into this position, I knew what I was getting into. I've never in my life been the kind of person not to speak up if I felt it was necessary. When you do that, you leave yourself open to people who don't agree with you."
Despite being a bit annoying, Kirwan said he's not losing any sleep over the stenciled protest signs. He has a good idea of who is behind it: people upset with the Kingsway Entertainment District, and his vocal support of the project.
The plan would see the downtown arena moved to the Kingsway, alongside a new casino. The old arena site is to become the home of a new library, art gallery and performing arts centre. A dozen appeals have been launched with the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal in an attempt to stop the Kingsway plan.
Kirwan has battled opponents on social media, especially on his Valley East Facebook page, where he has banned people he say go too far in making rude comments. Apparently some have found another way to annoy him, he said.
"I don't think it's doing me any harm for those signs to be out there,” Kirwan said. “I think, if anything, it's alienating the masses who feel it's coming from downtown (arena supporters,) the people who are in opposition to the Kingsway. I don't think it's helping the opposition.
"Frankly, I'm more excited about our plans for downtown than I am for the Kingsway."
Plus, the Ward 5 councillor joked, his fellow city councillors are a little jealous about all the free attention Kirwan is getting.
"(The signs) are giving me an awful lot of exposure," Kirwan said. "The joke from my (council) colleagues is that we passed a bylaw saying no election signs. They say, 'Hey Kirwan, are you putting those up yourself?'"
