RCMP investigates vandalism at Fernie Aquatic Centre
By Lone Sheep Publishing
In a recent media release, Elk Valley RCMP said officers attended to the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Avenue on Saturday, October 29th, for a report of mischief to the building which was impacting the swimming pool for daily use.
Pool staff had initially thought it was a prank to soil the pool for a swim meet being held there that day as the chunks of glass at the bottom of the pool looked like chunks of soil, but further investigation revealed a broken window in the upper level, causing rocks and broken glass to fall onto the pool deck and into the pool itself, making it unusable until cleaned.
Police investigated the route of the unknown suspects and discovered two windows broken. Some forensic evidence was seized from the location for further processing.
The costs of this event are immeasurable to some extent, as they effected not only Fernie residents accessing their pool, but also prevented a swim meet for the community being held at the pool over two days this weekend.
As a result of the vandalism, the Elk Valley Dolphins were forced to move their swim meet from Fernie after the pool was closed from 5-7 days to the Western Financial Place in Cranbrook.
More than 400 participants and spectators from the Kootenays, Alberta and Montana were able to compete in the weekend meet after the Fernie Aquatic Centre was closed due to the extensive damage.
The repair costs are significant, with the associated clean up — which includes window repair, emptying and vacuuming the pool and its associated equipment — being estimated at over $30,000.
As most Fernie residents are aware, there is similar history to the pool in 2019 where public assistance led to solving that crime.
Police are again seeking the public’s assistance in this matter to identify the culprits responsible.
Anyone can call the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to provide their information to an officer, or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) to report your information anonymously. Please refer to file number 2022-3361.
Elk Valley RCMP said that the investigation is ongoing.
