Vandalism of safety booms at Colliery Dam Park puts public at risk

City and RCMP urge public cooperation after second incident in less than a month

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed January 10, 2025 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity after the safety booms at the lower dam in Colliery Dam Park were vandalized for the second time in less than a month. Nanaimo RCMP is actively investigating the incidents, as tampering with these essential safety barriers poses significant risks to public safety.

Safety booms are a regulatory requirement under BC Dam Safety Regulations. They serve two critical purposes: preventing individuals and pets from entering hazardous areas near the dam’s spillway and blocking large debris that could otherwise obstruct water flow. Without these barriers, strong currents and rapid water flows create life-threatening risks.

If you have any information about these incidents or witness suspicious activity, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 or the City of Nanaimo Public Works office at 250-758-5222. Please reference police file number: 24-40853.

Link to Strategic Plan: Communicating important information to the community when there is a risk to public safety.

Key Points

The safety boom located in the lower dam in Colliery Dam Park was vandalized for the second time in less than a month.
Safety booms are a regulatory requirement under BC Dam Safety Regulations. Without these barriers, strong currents and rapid water flows create life-threatening risks.

Quotes

"These acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but also threaten the integrity of our public infrastructure. We urge anyone with information to come forward and help ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys Colliery Dam Park. Public safety is a shared responsibility and we need our community's support to address this serious issue."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"We are committed to determining who is responsible and holding them accountable for their actions, especially when these deliberate acts endanger the lives of many."

Gary O'Brien

R/Constable

Nanaimo RCMP

Images

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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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