Cleaning up the damage done to an Elmira community centre by vandals will likely cost more than $100,000, officials say.
The vandalism spree at the Woolwich Memorial Centre was first noticed Wednesday morning.
Police believe it occurred sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.
One or more people made their way into the arena and proceeded to smash nearly everything in sight, including doors, windows, computers, TV sets, a fish tank and glass surrounding the arena’s ice rink.
A fire extinguisher was sprayed in the building, a fish was thrown into the centre’s pool – where it died – and a trail of blood was visible on the floor leading into a bathroom.
A few community skate had been scheduled to take place in the arena Thursday, but it was moved to a facility in St. Jacobs as the building was closed for investigation.
“It’s really, really unfortunate to see something like this take place,” skate organizer Tana Nash tells CTV News.
When the building will reopen for good remains to be determined – fitness classes are cancelled until at least Monday – but township officials hope it will be able to host the annual New Year’s levee on Sunday.
No arrests have been made, but police say they continue to make progress with their investigation.
“Right now, our detectives are following up on various leads we’ve been given through tips in the community,” says Staff Sgt. Shaena Morris.
Complicating the investigation is the absence of security cameras in the building.
Township officials say councillors will look at cameras or other security measures as part of their budget deliberations, which begin next week.
