Ward 1 incumbent alleges campaign interference, impersonation

As the Saskatoon civic election approaches Wednesday, Ward 1 incumbent councillor Darren Hill is alleging campaign interference in the district he has represented for 18 years, citing incidents of stolen lawn signs and reports of people impersonating his campaign.

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Hill says over the last few weeks that 120 of his signs have gone missing around Central Avenue and 108th Street, needing to be replaced every few days.

Hill alleges that multiple residents have also reported being harassed by a man in a black truck for having his lawn signs displayed in their yard.

Hill explained the situation escalated on Sunday after receiving a tip from a resident informing him that someone was falsely claiming to be a representative of his campaign, acting “aggressive” and “erratic.”

The following evening, Hill said that a Ward 1 resident emailed him about a person impersonating his campaign in the Sutherland area, which he says was also confirmed by a second witness.

Hill said the only volunteers on his campaign team are family and friends.

“Nobody that has volunteered with my team would act in this behavior at all,” Hill said.

“It’s a little disheartening for (this) to be happening, and at this late in the game, too,” he said. “Somebody should be held accountable for their actions before voters go to the polls.”

Hill believes the person is a representative from another campaign.

“This is simply malicious intent to discredit me.”

Hill said he filed a police report, and police have told him the person was identified through the licence plate of a black GMC Denali.

On the Evan Bray Show Tuesday, Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride said he’s been made aware of the situation, and the investigation was making good progress.

“It absolutely is a shame when you see that kind of behaviour in the community,” he said, noting criminal charges could be filed depending on the findings.

Read more:

• Everything you need to know about Saskatoon’s municipal election
• 14 arrested, numerous weapons seized during Saskatoon drug investigation
• Firefighters rescue person who was dumped into truck from recycling bin