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Vandals damage gazebo along trail

The gazebo, outhouse and signs along a section of the Trans Canada Trail in Summerland were vandalized during the spring break.
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Vandals with spray paint left their mark on a gazebo along the Summerland section of the Trans Canada Trail. The damage is believed to have been done during spring break.

The gazebo, outhouse and signs along a section of the Trans Canada Trail in Summerland were vandalized during the spring break.

The damage occurred around 1.2 kilometres from the Fenwick access to the trail.

Henry Sielmann, president of the Summerland Trans Canada Trail Society, said the repair work will be significant.

While the supplies are inexpensive the time and effort will require substantial volunteer effort.

“This is fluorescent, vibrant, high-intensity paint,” he said of the spray used. “I don’t know how we are going to fix it.”

The trail has had vandalism damage in the past, but not to this extent, he said.

He is concerned that the extent of the damage will discourage volunteers with the trail society.

“Vandalism is demotivating and leads to questioning why we should apply ourselves to providing enjoyment for others,” he said.

“The KVR Trail and the picnic area around the gazebo is maintained by volunteers who not only do the work, but also invest additional time to raise money for material.”

Each spring, volunteers from the trail society spend time on trail maintenance and repairing other damages from over the winter.

Sielmann is asking for municipal assistance with the repairs.

The trail and gazebo are in a municipal park, but are maintained by the trail society.