Municipality of Sioux Lookout working to address incidents of vandalism within Third Avenue Outdoor Recreation Complex

Tim Brody - Editor

According to the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, certain areas within the Third Avenue Outdoor Recreation Complex were subject to vandalism recently and additional security cameras have been installed around Municipal properties. 

Outdoor amenities at the Outdoor Recreation Complex reopened with restrictions (such as the need to maintain physical distancing) on May 22 following an announcement from the Provincial Government.

Brian P. MacKinnon, Municipal Manager of Corporate Services/ Municipal Clerk, informed that, “Those facilities that lend themselves to being locked, will be locked at the end of the business day. However, we understand that people may wish to use these facilities during the evenings or on weekends, and, therefore, starting Tuesday, June 1, 2021, individuals wishing to “book” the use of such facilities for after-hours/weekend use should contact the Recreation Centre at 737-1994 to make those arrangements. All the details on how the bookings will work will be divulged at the time of booking. Bookings will be taken between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.”

The Municipality did not provide information regarding the scope and frequency of the vandalism, stating that divulging such information would compromise their efforts to address the situation.

“We understand that some members of the public are frustrated with the Provincial Stay-at-Home Orders, however, with the Provincial Government’s decision to permit the opening and use of certain outdoor facilities last weekend (May 22), the Municipality will work to keep our facilities as accessible as possible,” MacKinnon informed. 

“We want these amenities to be available for use throughout the summer months, and vandalism only hurts our community – such damage must be paid for by the taxpayers of Sioux Lookout,” he concluded.