The Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira will remain closed to the public after vandals broke into the building on New Year’s Eve, leaving behind extensive damage.
Police say the vandals got into the building through a smashed window in the senior’s area.
Then they broke every window in the building. Glass was found in every part of the building, including the pool. Maintenance crews say they will now have to drain the pool to remove the glass.
“The cenotaph soldier that’s here at the Memorial Centre… even that glass has been broken,” says Mayor Todd Cowan. “It just shows the disrespect. I’m totally shocked at the extent of the damage here.”
The vandals destroyed computer monitors, ransacked the concession stand and sprayed the fire extinguishers. Police say they also smashed an aquarium and threw the fish in the Centre’s pool.
An Xbox and Playstation were the only items stolen.
At least one person was hurt in the smashing spree. A trail of blood was seen leading to a washroom.
Detectives spent most of their day at the Centre. They say their investigation is still in the early stages.
The Woolwich Memorial Centre will be closed on January 2nd while employees assess the damage and make a determination on the time it will take to make repairs.
It’s hoped the Centre will be able to re-open in time for the Mayor’s levee on Sunday.
Anyone who may have information on this incident is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-650-8500, ext. 6399 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
