Council Members Face Online Threats

Police notified about abusive posts

Members of Lions Bay Council have been targeted in social media posts with language so threatening that the matter has been referred to the RCMP.

In an unprecedented opening to a Lions Bay Village Council meeting, Mayor Ken Berry asked Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell to read a public statement on behalf of Council.

Public Statement Regarding Online Conduct and Respect in Our Community

Council would like to address the community in relation to a disturbing trend that has recently escalated.

Although it is easy to look in from the outside and imagine the work of Council to be

straightforward, in reality it is far more than that. It is only once you are seated at the

Council table that you truly understand the work and complexities involved and how

procedures and legislation play into decisions being made for the Village.

Each member of Council brings their own perspectives and experiences to the table.

Respectful discussion and commentary are expected and welcome in a democratic

society. We do not always agree and at times our debates are spirited, but every

member of Council is here to serve our community.

What is not acceptable, however, are the increasing levels of toxicity, hostility,

personal attacks and even defamation that have been directed at members of Council through social media over the past few years.

Although verbal assaults on individual Council members are unacceptable, a line was recently crossed when physical threats were made to three members of Council and their families. This most recent incident has been reported to authorities.

To those who engage in online harassment or personal attacks: stop. The ongoing

toxicity has been extremely wearing on us all. This must end. This is not Lions Bay.

It is our hope that those fostering inflammatory commentary will take a moment to

reflect on the impact it has had on the community. At the end of the day, we are all

neighbours. Civil discourse is to be expected, but there is a clear line between

challenging ideas and attacking people.

We can and must do better. Let us all commit to restoring civility, respect and unity in our community.

Council members did not address the matter publicly any further, beyond saying the matter is in the hands of the police.

The unregulated nature of social media means that it is often a breeding ground for dissent, and local online groups are frequently scenes of fiery debate. While this has been the case throughout the current Council term (and before), sources around the Village point to a heightened concern regarding recent posts on Facebook and Reddit targeting three members of Council and their families.

After the meeting, Blackwell clarified that while he cannot speak for Council on the subject, he would say that "Council seems to have had enough of the online toxicity which is hard on them individually (given that, whether or not some people agree or disagree with their decisions, they are doing their best to serve the community) coupled with concerns about how divisive it is for the community as a whole and the lasting damage."

He noted that the statement is the first collective appeal to the community for civility and unity since he has held his position.

The Watershed has contacted the Sea to Sky-RCMP Squamish Detachment for comment.

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