Repeated acts of vandalism at Kin Park are costing local taxpayers thousands of dollars and diverting emergency services, prompting the City of Fort St. John to install surveillance cameras throughout the popular green space.
Over the past several months, the park has seen ongoing property damage, including damaged garbage cans and multiple fires that required responses from the Fort St. John Fire Department and RCMP.
To help curb the damage and support ongoing police investigations, the city has installed surveillance cameras in key areas throughout the park.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen expressed frustration over the destruction, noting municipal investments are being undermined by a handful of individuals.
“Over the past several years, the City has invested millions of dollars into making Kin Park one of the premier recreational destinations in our community. It’s disappointing to see those investments damaged by the actions of a few individuals,” Hansen said.
“Every act of vandalism means taxpayers are paying for repairs, cleanup, and increased patrols rather than for new improvements and services. Kin Park belongs to everyone, and we need the community’s help to protect it.”
Beyond the financial cost, emergency officials warned the park fires pose a serious safety hazard to surrounding neighbourhoods and tie up critical first responders.
“Although the fires we’ve responded to at Kin Park have been relatively small, they still present a serious concern. A fire that starts in a garbage can or another park fixture can spread to nearby trees, structures, or other park amenities, particularly during dry conditions,” said Fire Chief and Director of Public Safety Robert Norton.
Norton said each response to the park temporarily takes an engine and crew out of service.
“The cost extends beyond damaged property and affects the resources available to respond when residents need us most,” Norton said.
City staff are working with the RCMP while investigations continue.
Police urged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at Kin Park to contact the Fort St. John RCMP.
