Town of Rocky Mountain House officials are “disheartened” after a spree of vandalism near Helen Hunley Memorial Park caused around $14,000 in damage.
On Oct. 9, parks staff say it observed excessive littering and fire damage to garbage bins near Helen Hunley Memorial Park and Lou Soppit Community Centre.
After the initial vandalism, two of three damaged bins were replaced, says Laura Button, communications coordinator with the Town of Rocky Mountain House.
However, the new bins, along with others were subsequently vandalized again and destroyed by fire Oct. 12-13.
Button says the town has no more replacements bins on hand, and that the bins that have been damaged are still useable and will remain in place.
This type of vandalism is a significant cost to the public purse, says Button, as each of the bear-proof bins costs about $3600 with other, durable, weather-proof bins costing around $750; all otherwise designed to last for many years.
In total, three bear-proof bins were lost, with five large round bins.
Any discussions on replacing the damaged bins will be part of future ‘park furniture’ funding considerations.
As an added hazard, Button says the wildfire danger during this time ranged from moderate to high, and says the town is grateful the fires did not spread further to surrounding grounds and buildings.
The RCMP is currently investigating the matter, while Button says the town has security cameras set up in the area.
“Our staff are disheartened by severe vandalism like this,” says Button. “Generally the public uses these things with much respect and responsibility. Unfortunately, for three nights in October, that wasn’t the case.”
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