East Gwillimbury launches park watch after summer of vandalism

Nine incidents have occurred, at a cost of $1,000 to $1,500 each to remove the graffiti

Newmarkettoday.ca
Sept. 17, 2020

The Town of East Gwillimbury proudly maintains over 40 parks throughout the town. These parks provide a healthy and safe environment for residents to enjoy. Unfortunately, this summer, the town has responded to numerous incidents of vandalism and destruction of property at town parks. The town is working with York Regional Police (YRP) to review these incidents and will make efforts to press criminal charges related to destruction of public property.

These acts of vandalism have been mainly focused at the recently reconstructed Mount Albert Community Park and Holland Landing Anchor Park locations. Both of these parks are under video surveillance and the town is utilizing footage, in partnership with YRP, to identify individuals for follow up and possible criminal charges. In 2018, the town utilized video surveillance to assist YRP with an arrest following extensive vandalism to the sports fields at Anchor Park.

“The town is working with YRP to increase patrols and enforcement at these parks. This is something we are not taking lightly. These are new park amenities that residents and community groups have worked hard to fund and design. The actions of a few individuals are creating an environment where the facilities are not enjoyable by all. It is our intent to take the necessary action to ensure our parks and facilities are a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy in a safe and respectful manner,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson.

This summer the town has responded to a total of nine incidents and the burden to the town and taxpayers is mounting. The average cost to the town to remove graffiti is between $1,000 and $1,500 for staff time and contractors.

In response to these incidents, the town is launching a Community Park Watch program. Residents are encouraged to report incidents and suspicious behaviour to the town at www.eastgwillimbury.ca/parksafety. Staff will use this information to follow up with York Regional Police and the town’s bylaw department to coordinate patrols to help increase prevention of these types of incidents.