The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is seeking information to help identify those responsible for extensive acts of vandalism at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park (695 Waterloo Road, Ootischenia) in Electoral Area J.
A media release from the RDCK stated that the damage was discovered and reported to the RDCK in the morning on May 2.
When staff arrived to assess the damage, it appeared as if a large machine entered the park by removing barriers meant to restrict motorized use and continued along the pedestrian path, removing additional barriers.
Many of the barriers removed were disposed of in riparian areas below, causing significant damage.
“I am saddened to see the vandalism that occurred at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park,” said Henny Hanegraaf, RDCK Electoral Area J Director.
“The Park is an outdoor space for all local residents to enjoy, in its natural state, which was expressed by residents during a public consultation process in 2015.”
In 2016, the RDCK adopted the Waterloo Eddy Regional Park Management Plan, which restricts motor vehicle access to the park due to the impact they cause to the terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Motorized vehicle access is restricted to the designated parking lot at the north end of the park. Landscape design, barriers, and fencing are used to prevent motorized access to the back eddy, seasonally flooded areas, and remaining areas of the park.
The RDCK said the incident is the fourth vandalism incident at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park within the last two years, adding that acts of vandalism cost thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to RDCK parks every year.
If you have any information regarding the incidents, please call the Castlegar RCMP at 250.365.7721 to speak with an investigator or email [email protected] to submit a complaint.
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