An act of vandalism resulted in damages to the netting at the Sprucedale Arena in McMurrich/Monteith, prompting council to discuss repairs, additional security cameras and potential police involvement.
The incident, which occurred over the May long weekend, was reported to council at its May 19 meeting by Mayor Glynn Robinson, who said a citizen caught youth in the act and was able to photograph them.
The netting, installed last year to address barn swallows getting caught and killed in the previous netting, was torn in two or three places after vandals climbed onto the steel storage sheds and pulled at it, also throwing rocks inside the rink area, Robinson told council.
“They ripped a big hole in it,” Robinson said. “(We) put a lot of money into putting that up.”
The township has colour security footage of the incident, deputy clerk Allyson Pedwell told council.
Robinson said he believed he spotted one of the individuals outside the council meeting and brought a witness to identify them, but the youth declined to give a name.
Town clerk Cheryl Marshall raised concern that birds could begin nesting through the damaged areas before repairs are completed, a problem the new netting had been specifically designed to prevent. Robinson said he felt the short window since the weekend meant nesting was unlikely to have started inside yet, and council agreed repairs should not be delayed.
Marshall also asked council to consider pricing out longer-term bird deterrent options for the facility.
Coun. Craig White questioned whether the township’s insurance policy might cover the cost of a quick repair and noted the community should be made aware of the vandalism’s financial impact.
“People need to know what this damage costs,” White said.
Deputy Mayor Vicky Roeder-Martin suggested exploring restorative approaches, such as community service.
“I think there’s got to be ways to build a community together,” she said, pointing to a program she was aware of that had successfully connected youth with seniors to reduce vandalism in another community.
Robinson recommended the township look at installing additional security cameras and Coun. Dan O’Halloran confirmed the matter would be pursued with police involvement.
By Sarah Cooke, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on May 22, 2026 at 06:40
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