Town sees increase in vandalism

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Destruction at the Lions Outdoor Skating Rink is only one example of increased levels of vandalism throughout Strathmore being reported by town administration.

Damage to the rink, located at the Strathmore ag grounds, is extensive, said Mark Pretzlaff, the town’s manager of recreation and culture. Both sets of doors and multiple lights and boards have been broken. This damage happened throughout the season, including several times the locks were cut and the ice surface impacted when it was closed for flooding.

The town is still in the process of getting estimates on these damages and the timeframe of repairs, said Pretzlaff. For now, the rink is chained up to prevent public access to the area, and plywood will be placed over the broken boards to limit access.

Vandalism in town, including graffiti and property damage, appears to be increasing, said Geoff Person, the town’s communication manager. In response to this trend, municipal enforcement has increased patrols throughout the community and is working with partners to increase education and outreach, added Person.

Under the town’s park classification and maintenance policy, buildings are to be inspected daily for vandalism and breaches of security during the operating season. Any problems will then be reported immediately to the operations department and communicated to the maintenance contractor to address the issue, according to the policy.

Vandalism has been noticed throughout town. Reports of vandalism made in the recent past also includes destruction to Strathmore’s Celebration of Lights, signage at Gray’s Park and the Kinsmen Park wheelchair-accessible dock, to name a few instances.

Craig Vandenberg, a Strathmore resident, has noticed extensive vandalism in Hillview Park, including damage to sprinklers, fencing and the gazebo there. 

“It’s probably a much bigger problem than anyone realizes,” said Vandenberg. “It’s amazing how much we see.”

Residents can contact the Strathmore RCMP if they see anything suspicious or witness a crime. Citizens on Patrol, a group established to lend more eyes and ears on Strathmore, mostly at night, may also be contacted by email at strathmorecop@gmail.com. Damage, graffiti or vandalism can be reported to the town operations department at 403-361-2137 or by email at operations@strathmore.ca.