Vandalism prompts North Bay conservation authority to close trail section
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority has closed a section of a popular trail system due to vandalism.
Four 6x6 support beams were taken from the La Vase River Bridge. As a result, the conservation authority said the Kate Pace Way between Lakeshore Drive and Decaire Road is closed.
The agency was notified by the city, which received a tip from a citizen. Exposed bolts used to hold the bumpers in place have been deemed a safety hazard.
“They’re bolted pretty hard. So in my mind, it is vandalism. Somebody stole those,” said Adam Whyte, the authority’s supervisor of maintenance.
“It’s specialized brackets and they're all bent up now.”
It is not known how long the trail will be closed. The authority is seeking estimates for the cost of replacing materials.
“We've asked for quotes from the original contractor that did the work because they're aware of the specialized brackets that they need,” Whyte said.
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority has closed a section of a popular trail system due to vandalism. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority has closed a section of a popular trail system due to vandalism. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)“So we're going to have to order in specialized parts for this and there's always a bit of a delay on that.”
Trail users can use Riverbend Road to get around the closed section.
In October 2020, the bridge reopened after work had to be done. It cost $33,600 to touch up the bridge. The conservation authority chipped in $11,600, while the rest of the money came from a $12,000 grant via The Great Trail, along with donations from the South Shore Restoule Snowmobile Club and the Near North Trails Association.
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The associations donated $5,000 each.
Whyte confirmed the conservation authority has filed a report with North Bay police and has been notified extra police patrol in that area will occur.
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