Two images show damage to different parts of a wheelchair swing in Sylvan Lake. (Town of Sylvan Lake)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

damage done to wheelchair accessible items

Town of Sylvan Lake troubled by vandalism at Health and Wellness Healing Hub

Jun 26, 2024 | 1:59 PM

The Town of Sylvan Lake is hoping residents can help get to the bottom of some discouraging vandalism that recently took place at the community’s Health and Wellness Healing Hub.

The hub is located on 47 Avenue near 52 Street, and likely sometime last week, the Town says, damage was done to multiple pieces of equipment.

That includes (see photos above and below) to the wheelchair accessible swing, the wheelchair accessible garden bed, and soil was dumped on the ground.

(Town of Sylvan Lake)

“The town of Sylvan Lake is experiencing ongoing vandalism, from minor to major, in parks and other facilities. The vandalism in the Health and Wellness Healing Hub was particularly disappointing, since it repeatedly targeted the wheelchair accessible facilities,” says Sean Durkin, CAO.

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“The Town is moving the wheelchair accessible swing to Bethany Lodge. We hope that the new location will provide many hours of enjoyment for Bethany residents.”

Bethany lodge is located two minutes east, by car.

“While there is no RCMP file number for this incident, we encourage everyone to report suspicious activity to the RCMP,” Durkin adds. “The Town communicates regularly with the RCMP regarding the ongoing vandalism challenges. It takes time and money to repair the damage to amenities that are intended to benefit the public. We encourage Lakers of all ages to report any information to the RCMP or to Crime Stoppers.”

There is no timeline to repair the pieces or for their relocation to Bethany.

Construction of the hub lasted from 2021 to 2022, and was funded by three grants — $55,000 from New Horizons for Seniors (two grants), and $34,000 from the Canadian Mental Health Association’s rural mental health initiative.

Repairs and maintenance are funded by tax dollars.

The hub was built with the intent to offer residents:

• Increased access to health services in our community;
• Increased availability of free or low-cost recreational activities;
• Improved the public’s awareness of healthy food choices;
• Improved access to local mental health and addiction supports and service.

It notably features a labyrinth in the centre.

An Alberta RCMP spokesperson says they are open to any reports of mischief in that area or around town. If anyone has information about this incident or others, call Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

You can also report online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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