Safety booms are put in place for a reason, which is why the City of Nanaimo says they’re working with RCMP to determine who vandalized the one at Colliery Dam Park.
According to the city, this is the second time the safety boom has been vandalized in less than a month, and they say tampering with these items puts everyone’s safety at risk and causes a threat to public safety.
They say the booms are a regulatory requirement under the BC Dam Safety Regulations and serve at least two purposes.
“They prevent individuals and pets from entering hazardous areas near the dam’s spillway and block large debris that could otherwise obstruct water flow,” they say. “Without these barriers, strong currents and rapid water flows create life-threatening risks.”
Mayor Leonard Krog says he urges the public to take this seriously and help bring the vandals to justice.
“These acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but also threaten the integrity of our public infrastructure,” he says. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and help ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys Colliery Dam Park.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and we need out community’s support to address this serious issue.”
An investigation has been started by Nanaimo RCMP, and the city says anyone with information should direct their calls to either the non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, or the City of Nanaimo Public Works office at 250-758-5222.
