FALL RIVER: During the past couple of weeks more than $10,000 worth of damage was done to the new dock installed at the Snow Centre beach as well as the gazebo in the parking lot.
HRM Parks and Recreation staff were out recently to the beach to follow-up on reports form members of the committee and community residents’ reports that the dock had been damaged. At one time the end of the dock had floated down Lake Thomas to an adjacent area but was brought back and re-connected.
Recently, other damage was done to the dock, forcing HRM crews to place a cone and caution tape at the entrance making it unusable for any resident that wanted to use it. There had been talk and discussion of removing it for good. The exact damage cost totalled around $16,000.
It only re-opened on Thursday June 18 after HRM repaired it.
As for the gazebo, work to repair the damage on the stairwells leading down to and up from the trails is ongoing and will take a couple weeks or more, The Laker News was told.
Councillor Steve Streatch commented on hearing about the damage done to the dock. He was pleased to see that it was repaired and that it remains in use for the community.
“When I was first advised of the vandalism, I was shocked and angered. This was another example of blatant destruction of public property within the community, and it left me saddened,” said Streatch. “The local community group that started this project, raised money and partnered with HRM to have it built, created a wonderful public recreational space, with water access that was enjoyed by many residents.”
He said to see it damaged to this extent by a willful act of vandalism was very disappointing and those responsible should be very ashamed and help accountable.
“I immediately contacted HRM staff and asked that it be repaired as soon as possible, and offered financial assistance to have this done,” said Streatch. “I’m pleased it is once again open for the enjoyment of all.
“Further measures will be discussed to try and prevent this type of destruction again in the future.”
The committee that installed the dock is now in discussion with HRM and the local councillor to see what the next steps are to be taken to ensure further vandalism of the dock and beach area does not occur.
They ask anyone that sees someone damaging the dock or beach area to please notify Halifax District RCMP at the non-emergency number or contact HRM 311.
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