CANMORE – RCMP are asking the public for help after several solar powered bollards were discovered damaged in Canmore.
Town employees noticed the damage along the Cougar Creek pedestrian pathway over the past year with RCMP estimating the vandalism taking place between last October to this February with more damaged bollards found broken again in March, according to the RCMP press release.
“RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in identifying those responsible for the damage. If anyone has information regarding this incident or any other criminal activity, please call Canmore RCMP,” Cpl. Sabrina Clayton wrote in a press release.
Officials with the Town of Canmore indicated six solar bollards were vandalized on the trail around the lower pedestrian bridge of the creek. Two were damaged beyond repair and had to be sent back to the manufacturer to be rebuilt without any cost to the municipality.
"They were vandalized earlier this year and fortunately we have not had recent issues," wrote manager of engineering services Andy Esarte in an email.
It cost $1,600 to repair the other four bollards and each one is valued at $1,100. The bollards were installed in 2019.
"In addition to the monetary cost of vandalism to our pathway lighting, there are staff resources needed to coordinate repair of lights and it can take a long time to get replacements from the manufacturer," Esarte said. "These lights are in place to provide comfort and safety to pathway users and that is affected each time the lights are damaged."
The phone number for the local station is 403-678-5519 or if you wish to remain anonymous call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
