On October 29 at 7:31 a.m., Elk Valley RCMP attended to the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Avenue for a report of mischief to the building which was impacting the swimming pool for daily use.

Pool staff had initially thought it was a prank to soil the pool for a swim meet being held there that day as the chunks of glass at the bottom of the pool looked like chunks of soil, but further investigation revealed a broken window in the upper level, causing rocks and broken glass to fall onto the pool deck and into the pool itself, making it unusable until cleaned.

Police investigated the route of the unknown suspects and discovered two windows broken. Some forensic evidence was seized from the location for further processing.

The costs of this event are immeasurable to some extent, as they effected not only Fernie residents accessing their pool, but also prevented a swim meet for the community being held at the pool over two days this weekend.

The repair costs are significant, with the associated clean up – which includes window repair, emptying and vacuuming the pool and its associated equipment – being estimated at over $30,000.

As most Fernie residents are aware, there is similar history to the pool in 2019 where public assistance led to solving that crime. Police are again seeking the public’s assistance in this matter to identify the culprits responsible.

Anyone can call the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 to provide their information to an officer, or contact BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) to report your information anonymously. Please refer to file number 2022-3361. Our investigation is ongoing.

Elk Valley RCMP

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