By Alex Soloducha

Candle Lake deals with long weekend vandalism

Aug 4, 2015 | 12:12 PM

The Village of Candle Lake is often a hot spot for vacationers but they’re starting to see that’s not always a good thing. 

John Quinn, mayor of Candle Lake, said the August long weekend meant damage to property around the lake.

“The walking bridge has been vandalized every year for the last three or four years,” said Quinn.

This year was no exception.

“It’ll likely have to be replaced again,” he said. “I don’t think there’s an awful lot that they can salvage out of it.”

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According to Quinn, the August long weekend is when they see the most issues throughout the year.

“We seem to have more vandalism and more problems than during the rest of the year,” said Quinn.

Along with the bridge, many stop signs, traffic signs and street signs were pulled out and signs along the beach area were vandalized and smashed, said Quinn.

“The police were up here,” said Quinn. “They’re aware of it.”

Still, Quinn said a police presence helps, but they can only do so much.

“It’s pretty difficult for the police that are up here to be every place at once,” he said.

Quinn said they are concerned about the cost to replace all the damages. Because of this, they may be looking into a more long term solution to stop the bridge vandalism.

“They keep on putting a wooden bridge and walking bridge there and it keeps on getting destroyed,” said Quinn.  

Now, they’re considering new options including the possibility of a cement walking bridge.

“That’s a little bit more resilient to being smashed,” he said.

Quinn said the bridge is a convenience for people who want to walk across the creek. Without a secure bridge, it isn’t safe and people may fall into the creek bed, lined with rocks.

The bridge is located on the east end of Lakeshore Drive, and goes across a creek that comes in from Bay Lake.

 “There’s not one activity up here on the weekend, in the evening part, where these young people can go and be entertained,” said Quinn. “So they get together in groups and wander around the village.”

Quinn said an over-consumption of alcohol is definitely part of the problem.

“I realize that these people are young and they’re out for a good time but they forget that this is a village where people live all year round and it’s not just a party haven.”

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha