Arran-Elderslie council is looking at security systems after significant vandalism at the Dave Spencer Memorial Pavilion in Chesley.
Town staff say on February 26th, they discovered vandalism in the men’s and women’s washroom as well as the kitchen. All three door handles were broken, soap, paper towel, and toilet paper dispensers were torn from the walls and damaged. Mirrors were smashed. Portions of the toilets were broken. Fire extinguishers were discharged in all three rooms and washroom partitions were torn from the walls.
The OPP have been notified, and the municipality immediately contacted a locksmith who installed deadbolts on the doors.
Council heard their insurance deductible is $15,000 and the damage is not expected to cost that much to repair, so they’re unlikely to get money from the insurance provider.
The Chesley Kinsmen volunteer group has asked council to consider installing security equipment to help prevent further damage.
Now, staff will bring back a report with cost estimates and options to consider a video surveillance or alarm system at the Dave Spencer Memorial Pavilion, as a starting point, and the municipality may eventually consider more facilities. Staff say the installation of a video surveillance system would represent an unforeseen, unbudgeted expense. The Municipality also has a video surveillance policy in place.
During council discussion, it was mentioned that some local businesses were offering to donate replacement things like soap dispensers.
The Chesley Kinsmen have been serving the community for 89 years, and celebrated the opening of the pavilion in 2021. It’s used for all kinds of events and meetings.
images from Arran-Elderslie staff report
