The Town of Riverview will explore security options to protect the riverfront Christmas lights display after a brash act of vandalism.
Extensive damage to the “Light Up Riverview” display on Jan. 6 occurred when wires were cut, lights were broken, and damage was done to the power source.
Coun. Wayne Bennett said at Monday’s Town Council meeting it was “disheartening and disappointing” to see the damage done and steps must be taken to prevent this from occurring again.
“I would highly recommend that we look at cameras for sure. I think that we could work with hydro maybe to put the cameras on poles where people can’t access them to damage them,” said Bennett, adding they could ask the private business in the area if they would allow a camera.
Bennett said even one camera that gets the results they want would be well worth the investment.
Responding to the councillor, Colin Smith, the chief administrative officer, said the display covers a stretch of about a kilometre, so while a camera could be a preventative measure, it is unlikely it will identify anything substantial for a police investigation.
He referenced other instances where a crime was caught on camera but did not provide the level of detail needed to lead to a resolution.
Smith later acknowledged that the display provides significant benefits to the community, and an analysis can be completed to cover various safety options.
“We know it provides substantial benefit to residents, mental health and those things. But it’s also a boom to businesses and the intrigue that it brings people to our communities, there are lots of people that come here, so we can look at some of those other ways to address the long-term viability of this,” Smith added.
Following the discussion, Riverview Mayor Andrew LeBlanc remarked on the overwhelming response from the community.
“We had a number of residents who wanted to come forward and donate and help fix them, and you know I think that’s more indicative of what our town is about and who the people are in the Town of Riverview, and so I want to thank everybody for their great response. I can say that we have it covered. We can absorb the cost for replacing the lights, and we do have all of that covered to do the repairs,” LeBlanc said.
