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Vandals damage Port Hardy tennis courts

The District of Port Hardy is offering a cash reward for info the wrecking of a tennis court.
Tennis court damage
Damage caused by vandals at the tennis courts.

The District of Port Hardy is offering a cash reward for info that will lead to the arrest of the person or people responsible for wrecking a tennis court.

It’s believed vandals damaged the newly resurfaced tennis courts sometime before March 22, when the damage was discovered.

Vandals lit what appears to be a five-gallon bucket filled with a petroleum product on the courts, said arena lead hand, Gord Wolden.

That bonehead move resulted in a hole in the surface material which will require patching and, eventually, repaving.

“Every year, vandals cost tax payers thousands of dollars in property damage and theft,” says Mayor Bev Parnham.

“Because of this, it has become necessary to install surveillance cameras, which use infrared technology to capture movement and sound even on the darkest nights,” she said.

“We hope to deter future damage to the tennis courts and surrounding area by installing this equipment at that location.”

Parnham added she believes the majority of residents are respectful of our gardens and public areas, and it’s only a few individuals who are “creating continued challenges” for the community.

The District of Port Hardy offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction of any person destroying or removing municipal property.

Vandals can be ticketed for an offence with a fine of $100, or the district can choose to take the offender to court where fines range from $100 up to $2000.

If you have information about this incident, please call 250-949-6665.

The district makes every effort to maintain the confidentiality of callers who report vandalism.