The public washroom at Prairie Oasis Park in Warman was vandalized on four different occasions over the summer, resulting in repairs costing over $4,000.
In a report to the Warman City Council committee of the whole meeting on Monday, August 21, Warman Recreation and Community Services Manager Paul McGonigal said the latest case of vandalism took place sometime on Sunday, June 30.
“The washroom was left unusable, with the sink ripped off the wall and the toilet plugged with toilet paper,” said McGonigal. “The combination of the two damages reuslted in the flooding of the washroom.”
The city filed a report of the incident with the RCMP detachment and provided security camera footage to the police. The investigation into the incident is continuing. Repairs were made to the facility during July.
The extent of the damage and subsequent repairs forced the closure of the washroom for two weeks leading up to the Canada Cup BMX races August 19 and 20.
“Because that was the fourth incident of vandalism so far this summer, we felt it best to take measures to prevent further damage prior to that major event,” said McGonigal. “It was unfortunate we had to close it, but we couldn’t risk having it out of commission when it would be needed by a big crowd.”
Several city councillors expressed concern at the meeting about the vandalism.
“We’re looking at a repair bill of $4,000,” said Councillor Tracy Johnson. “That’s pretty significant.”
She asked what additional measures could be taken to prevent further incidents, and whether improved security cameras would help.
McGonigial noted that while the facility does currently have security cameras, the images they capture are often not clear enough to positively identify the perpetrators. He said newer, high-definition cameras with sensitive microphones are available on the market now and could be an option.
McGonigal said construction work on the new outdoor rink facility at RJ Gidluck Park is progressing, and exepctations are it will be ready for use this winter.
“The project continues to make good progress as the concrete pad and building floor has been poured, the boards have been installed and the LED lights have been installed,” said McGonigal. “The project still continues to wait for the protective netting to be installed and the building to be built. The project must be compelted no later than September 30, 2023.”
The new rink will be similar to the outdoor facility at Prairie Oasis Park, with lights and a building used for storing equipment that will also provide a warm-up room and washroom. He said the washroom in the new facility, like the one at Prairie Oasis Park, will have puck board, rather than drywall, to minimize vandalism to the walls.