Airdrie City parks department has temporarily closed the public washrooms at Nose Creek Park because of a number of fires that have been set in the building.
Four fires have occurred since January and as a result, the washrooms have been closed for a couple of weeks.
At this time, the cause of the fires is unknown but RCMP and Airdrie Fire Department have declared them to be instances of arson.
The City is requesting help from Airdrie residents to stop this vandalism.
“I hope people will keep an eye out and be vigilant,” said Mayor Peter Brown.
“It is ridiculous that we have to close these bathrooms. Someone or some people in the community seem to think this is acceptable and it isn’t. We, as a community, need to stand up and make sure they know this is unacceptable.”
Each time a fire occurs, the City goes through a process of assessing the damage, involving an insurance adjustor if needed, cleaning up the mess, purchasing new materials and repairing in the damage.
“Really the cost is to the community, and if we continue to work together as a community, we will be able to be stronger and more effective in preventing these acts of vandalism from happening,” said Airdrie RCMP Const. Meagan Fillion.
In light of these events, the City is looking at installing additional security features, said Kevin Brinson, parks department team leader with the City of Airdrie.
“Airdrie still has a small-town feel to it and I think our residents would like to keep it that way,” he added.
Brinson said he hopes the washrooms can be reopened in the next few weeks.
Brown said the only way the arsonists will be caught is if the community is willing to report any suspicious behaviour.
“People who do these things have a tendency to tell others about it, please report it if you hear anything,” he said.
“This is just unnecessary and I encourage people to be aware and report anything you see to the RCMP or municipal enforcement. This is unacceptable and we need to fight back as a community. To catch these people and make them pay for the damage they have done.”
Damages are estimated to be in the range of $18,000.
If you have any information regarding these fires, call Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267.
