The worker who found a noose at a construction site at Toronto’s Michael Garron Hospital in September says the grim discovery was shocking, but also not at all surprising as acts of racism are rampant in his industry.

The construction worker, who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity as he fears repercussions from his employers, colleagues and the construction industry in general, said whoever knotted that nylon rope and left it knew what they were doing.

“That noose has one purpose only and it’s for hanging people. It’s a powerful symbol in the history of lynching,” said the worker, a veteran of the construction industry for nearly 20 years. “One up from that would be burning a cross on somebody’s lawn.”

The construction site in East York has become the centre of discussions on how racism has plagued the industry for many years. More than one noose had been discovered at the site, as well as hate graffiti scrawled on the walls.

Workers and industry observers say the incidents are just symbolic of a larger issue of racism across the field of construction, and are calling for stronger concrete measures to tackle the problem.

EllisDon, the company that manages the construction site in question and subcontracts others for the work on the ground, has upped the original reward from $5,000 to $50,000 for anyone who will provide credible information leading to the people behind these racist acts. In a note posted on its website, the company says the increase came after getting meaningful feedback from the community on the issue.

Keep reading in The Star