A mother in Owen Sound is speaking out after a troubling encounter at Duncan McLellan Park, where a group of teenagers allegedly used racial slurs, blocked young children from playground equipment, and vaped openly on park grounds.
Toni Edwards-MacDonald took to the Facebook group “Weird Sh*t You See In Grey Bruce” to share her experience, directing her message at parents whose teenagers frequent the park.
In her post, she described how the teens used profanity in front of small children, refused to let younger kids access the equipment, and used the N-word within earshot of her children.
Her son, she noted, is half Black. Edwards-MacDonald warned that she would contact the police the next time she witnessed vaping on the grounds.
She later clarified in the comments that she had already addressed the teens directly before making the post.
“I did say something to them about their behaviour, I didn’t just come to fb and post something,” she wrote. “I made a post in hopes that maybe their parents would see and could maybe do something about it.”
Community Weighs In on Teen Behavior
The post drew a wide range of responses from the local community. Some residents sided with Edwards-MacDonald, pointing out that vaping near a park is illegal under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017.
Candice Huber noted that police have the authority to confiscate vape products and issue fines to minors caught vaping.
Cheryl Fry echoed that point, reminding commenters that smoking and vaping near parks is prohibited and that police can be called for that reason specifically.
Mell Wilson directed criticism at those downplaying the incident.
“Why is it ok for teens, kids, hell even adults being rude, disrespectful and racist in a place that is meant for children and families?” she wrote.
James Housser, a father of a mixed-race daughter, called the use of the racial slur completely unacceptable, saying it was something he could not let slide.
Not everyone agreed with involving the police. CJ Williams questioned whether law enforcement should be used for what he described as a non-criminal incident, while Michelle Currie suggested that parents simply remove their children from the area if they are uncomfortable.
A Bigger Conversation About Youth in Owen Sound
Several commenters used the incident to raise broader concerns about the lack of activities and spaces for teenagers in Owen Sound. E Lee N Flontek pointed out the absence of places for adolescents to go, a sentiment that Micheline Mann agreed with.
Heidi Pilz, who said she lives close to the park, took a softer stance on the teenagers and offered to personally support the children in the area, believing that positive influence leads to positive behavior.
Corrina Carson and Megan Christine touched on the wider issues facing the city, including downtown safety concerns that affect families on a daily basis.
Edwards-MacDonald stands by her decision to post, saying parents need to be aware of what their children are doing in public spaces.
