The District of Port Edward is asking the public to be vigilant following a costly few weeks in the community.
“We have had a rash of accidents and things taking place here. We have had vandalism to boats, we lost a bus stop, a vehicle hit the barriers in front of the Welcome to Port Edward sign and we had items stolen from the former school grounds,” explained public works foreman Scott Duffus.
A vehicle lost control and hit the retaining barriers at the sign on April 16 and on April 21 the bus stop outside of Maverick Foods was completely destroyed with only tire marks in the grass remaining.
“We have to get quotes for a new bus stop from the company in Ontario so it looks like we will have to ship one here. That will be costly, plus with the cost of the shelter itself and our cost to install it, I expect this damage will end up costing the district between $7,000 and $10,000,” said Duffus.
The next day RCMP responded to reports of vandalism to a private boat located in the district.
“The Prince Rupert RCMP were called to investigate damage to a boat at the end of Wolf Creek Road near Port Edward. All of the windows were broken and damage was also done to the inside of the vessel. A Property Crime Examiner attended the scene and examined the vessel,” explained Sgt. Jagdev Uppal.
“The Prince Rupert RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for this blatant act of vandalism. If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to call the Prince Rupert RCMP at 250-624-2136 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.”
At some point during the past few weeks, the chains blocking vehicle access to the playground and park area at Port Edward Elementary School were stolen.
“If people do see things happening it is important they report them because if they don’t it is the taxpayer who will be left to pay the bills,” said Duffus.
