Hussar playground hazard

Times Contributor

 

On Sunday, July 22, school janitor Brenda Hager and her granddaughter set out to the Hussar school playground where she found construction sized staples lying about the grass. She picked them up thinking they would be nasty to step on with bare feet.  As her granddaughter went to play on the tire swing and slide, she became alarmed, as there were sharp ends of staples protruding out of the equipment, which may have caused a nasty injury to a child at play.

“I know most kids in the community, and I would like to think that it was not one of them,” said Hagar.

She said the staples were quite high up, so she did not think a young child could have reached that high and the type of staple seemed consistent with a construction grade tool. Hager promptly removed the staples from the playground equipment and she keeps an eye on the playground, as she does her summer caretaking duties.

Local RCMP officers investigated the report and inspected the equipment on Friday. The investigating officer was unavailable for comment.

Anyone willfully placing the staples on the equipment, could face charges of public mischief or vandalism. Section 430(1) Criminal Code of Canada states mischief is the willful destruction or damage to property, rendering it dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective or if it interrupts or interferes with the lawful use and or enjoyment of the property or persons using the property

The sentence can be up to two years in jail. If someone under the age 18 did the act, it would fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, put in place in 2002 to deal with youth crimes.  The act endeavors to work with the community and families to address underlying causes for the crime and assign meaningful consequences to rehabilitate youth and prevent further offences.  Sentencing considers past offences and the severity of the crime.

Jennifer Pratt, Village Administrator said that there was no one hurt. A notification was put in the post office to take extra care in the playground. The local news column mentioned the incident as well. If similar incidents occur, Pratt said the appropriate authority would take action.

“The more that (we) hear about it, the more vigilant we can be,” said Hager.