Public washrooms in Cranbrook parks are expected to reopen next week following a series of vandalism incidents that forced their closure earlier this month.
The City says several washroom facilities, including those at Kinsmen Greenbelt and Moir Park, sustained notable damage in recent weeks, prompting staff to shut them down for repairs.
The worst of the damage occurred at the Kinsmen Greenbelt site, where toilets and fixtures in both the men’s and women’s washrooms were smashed on back-to-back days — July 7 and 8.
Earlier incidents included soap dispensers broken, toilet lids thrown into Joseph Creek, and other acts of property destruction.
“These acts of vandalism are not only disheartening for our City staff who often face the aftermath firsthand, but they also deprive our community of essential services,” said Kirby Korven, Public Works Manager.
The city estimates the damage at more than $3,000 at Kinsmen Greenbelt alone, not including repairs at Moir Park or other costs accumulated earlier in the year.
In Moir Park, repeated overnight break-in attempts caused damage to doors and hinges.
Other recent incidents involved washroom floors peeled back, foreign materials used to plug toilets, and garbage bins overturned or destroyed.
The City says more security measures are being put in place to deter future vandalism.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or vandalism to the Cranbrook RCMP.
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