UPDATE: 5:20 p.m.

Families coming and going from a Kelowna Sikh temple were forced to look at racist graffiti on the side of the temple Monday.

Vice President of Gurdwara Guru Amardas Darbar Sikh Society says they think the black spray paint was done on Sunday at about 7 p.m.

“We are really shocked, this is a first to happen here,” said Jadvinder Singh Nijjer. “We love everyone, our Religion is that somebody hates us… but we love him too.”

A priest who was the first arrived at the temple on Monday morning noticed the vandalism. 

Nijjer said the front gate is locked every night at 8 p.m. so he believes someone spray painted the graffiti before the gate was closed.

Coun. Mohini Singh said when she saw the vandalism she was sad.

“I am very, very disappointed and you know… it doesn’t even make any sense to tell you the truth,” said Singh.

Everyone is shaken up and sad, according to Nijjer.

“It is ignorant, it is stupidity, there is no room for something like that in Kelowna,” said Singh.

Police have opened an investigation into the vandalism and security footage from the building will be reviewed tonight in hopes of identifying the culprits.

“We'd like to give a message to that person to not do anything wrong in the community and go peaceful,” said Nijjer. 

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

ORIGINAL: 1:45 p.m.

Racist graffiti has been sprayed on a Sikh temple in Kelowna.

The president of the Gurdwara Guru Amardas Darbar Sikh Society said Monday he is saddened that such racist hate exists in this city.

“We are sad to see this in this city we love,” said Tarsem Goraya.

Derogatory words were spray painted on the side of the building some time over the weekend, and remained there on Monday.

Coun. Mohini Singh said the incident is disappointing and sad.

"There is no room for this in Kelowna," she said. 

Gurdwara Guru Amardas Darbar Sikh Society has been in Kelowna for more than 40 years, and Goraya says they respect everyone. 

Photo: Contributed