Skip to content

Telkwa council ponders security cameras after park vandalism

Telkwa council taking a look at purchasing security cameras at parks after repeated vandalism.
web1_VandalismEddyPark
Some of the vandalism at Eddy Park two Saturday nights ago. (Darcy Repen Facebook photo)

Read the full story in the June 21 edition of The Interior News.

Damage at a local park has prompted Telkwa council to re-visit the idea of installing security cameras at parks.

“I don’t like the idea of having cameras out and around the public, but unfortunately every year we’re seeing thousands of dollars in damage being done,” said Mayor Darcy Repen.

This all stemmed from a rash of vandalism that left $1,500 in damage to Eddy Park overnight June 10.

During the meeting, Gordon Davies, director of operations, told councillors the amount of damage is too small for an insurance claim.

The damage consists of a stop sign and post being stolen, washroom toilet plugged with paper towels and destruction of a toilet paper dispenser, along with seven large floral hanging baskets at the gazebo torn down and destroyed. A couple of wire hanging baskets were damaged but repairable, basket watering irrigation tubes to pots were also damaged, and a small tree was snapped.

While Davies is not sure if it’s related, damage also took place at Riverside Park where two large floral hanging baskets were tampered with. One was found hanging at a nearby crosswalk.

In addition to talk about buying security cameras, council wants to know if they can publicly shame those who vandalize should they purchase the cameras.

Unsure if they would be able to, council will inquire if they can legally post photos to social media.

Staff are also looking in to if paper towel is necessary to have in the washroom.

A citizens on patrol recruitment campaign will begin in the near future with the hope it will help curb the vandalism in Telkwa. Currently, the patrol only consists of councillors Layton and Leroy Dekens.

A vote for the security cameras will take place next council meeting.