Spindles were broken and paint was strewn over the viewing deck and memorial benches which had been a project of the Morrisburg Lion’s Club. Photo Courtesy of Cindy Saucier
MORRISBURG – It is difficult to comprehend what must have been going through the minds of those responsible for a spree of vandalism which was unleased on the Morrisburg waterfront park on the weekend of June 7, 2024.
Damage estimated at more than $19,000 and included several memorial trees being broken off, paint being thrown on the benches and viewing platform which overlooks the river, numerous spindles from the platform railing being broken, damage to the washrooms, and the theft of memorial plaques which had been attached to the benches.
The park runs along Morrisburg’s southern boundary, adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. The area is well lit and is overlooked by numerous private residences along the park’s northern boundary.
The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating and according to Provincial Constable Serge Duguay, Community Service and Media Relations officer, the investigation is ongoing.
Particularly heart-wrenching is the damage to the memorial items, both the trees and the benches, which were placed in memory of loved ones. Having them desecrated in such a fashion causes the pain of the loss to be experienced yet again by their surviving loved ones.
A positive in this incident is that several local businesses and members of the community have acted to see that the damage is repaired and that the trees will be replaced. Incidents of this nature happen all too often, and their frequency can only be reduced through the actions of the entire community.
There are likely others who know what happened and who is responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you want to remain anonymous, call Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit a tip online at seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
