Grinch cuts holiday light display in Kitchener park
A holiday light display in Kitchener was meant to bring joy.
But instead, it was hit by vandals.
Christmas Fantasy opened in Victoria Park on Dec. 4, and since that time, lights and electrical cords have been found cut on two separate occasions.
Irina McCrossan said the display has been especially meaningful to her amid the challenges of the pandemic.
"I would walk around here and it would actually bring me some joy," she told CTV News.
"Victoria Park is a well-used space and it just sort of brings it alive during the holiday season," said Debbie Chapman, the councillor for Ward 9.
The Christmas Fantasy event is organized by the city with help from other organizations, including the Kitchener Pioneer Lions Club.
"We came and saw electrical cords that were out of the main panel," said Jessica Bailey, who works with the club.
The damage was discovered on two separate days.
Bailey calls the situation disheartening and dangerous.
"Depending on the cord, they're live. And then you have a hazard for the public."
Volunteers have tried to make repairs to the displays, but not everything can be fixed.
"Because of how it's wired at the beginning, we can't fix [some of them]," said Bailey.
This isn't the first year the displays have been damaged, but Bailey said the latest incident has been especially bad.
Losses are estimated to be in the hundreds of dollars.
"Please stop," pleaded Bailey. "We do this for the community, including you, to bring joy."
Those walking through the park were also disappointed to learn about the damage.
"Any kind of vandalism is wrong, but definitely when it's just something that's made to get people in the Christmas spirit," said Soleil Grise, who works nearby. "It seems extra intolerable."
"They're trying to bring joy to us," added McCrossan. "You're not only taking the joy away from yourself, but from other people."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TD penalties expected to be higher on alleged drug money laundering link: analyst
A banking analyst says TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
DEVELOPING Foreign interference inquiry to report today on alleged meddling in federal elections
A federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference is slated to release a report today on alleged meddling in the last two general elections.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
Western Canada's first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel will officially be brought into the Pacific fleet today and Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to take part in its commissioning ceremony.
BREAKING Winnipeg man accused of killing four women will be tried by jury
A Winnipeg man accused of killing four Indigenous women will have his case heard by a jury.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'