Fort St. John reviews vandalism impact on city

FORT ST. JOHN — Council recently received information on vandalism that took place in the city last year after staff reported an increase in public facilities being damaged.   

“This report provides insight into the actual costs of vandalism in city facilities, as well as some mitigation strategies in use to deter and prevent vandalism,” said Chief Administrative Officer Milo MacDonald in a February 27th report to council. 

Council directed staff to compile a report on vandalism incidents after seeing increased damage to recreation facilities and parks in 2023.

A total of 23 incidents were reported in 2023, with 70 per cent related to outdoor vandalism and 30 per cent being indoor. 

Washrooms in local parks experienced the most repeated damage last year, accounting for 27 per cent of the reported incidents. 

In response, staff hired security for approximately $30,000 annually to patrol the parks. During the summer, security patrolled Centennial Park, Mathews Park, the Rotary Skate Park, and Fort St. John off-leash dog park for up to eight hours daily. 

Kin Park will likely be added to the security patrol this year. 

According to the city, since starting to monitor incidents in March, costs for replacements and repairs reached $8,100 in 2023.

Staff say costs are even higher after including the time required to investigate, hire contractors for the repairs, etc. 

“Vandalism is very costly to our community as we go on to build capital projects,” said councillor Tony Zabinsky. 

The city is leading the Building Safer Communities initiative to address violent youth crime. The initiative is a three-year program that receives financial support from the federal government.

A community-led volunteer organization called Citizens on Patrol was also started in 2023 to patrol areas in the community.

Council hopes both initiatives will indirectly help reduce vandalism in the city. 

Staff will continue to collect incidental and financial data related to vandalism, according to the city.

The full report can be viewed below: