On the weekend of Nov. 25, 2017 the Claude Parish Memorial arena was vandalized with graffiti, only a month after the exterior of the building had been repainted.
In September 2017, Houston Today reported that the District of Houston council approved the budget of $50,000 to repaint the exterior facade of Claude Parish Memorial arena.
Michael Glavin, Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Houston said in September 2017 that this is a project that staff wanted to see completed, especially with the trade-show for the Minerals North Conference in Houston coming up in April 2018.
The total cost of repainting the building was $29,812.02 which was contracted by DTek Contracting from Smithers B.C.
Since the vandalism, the spray paint graffiti has been removed with by district staff.
“There are faint traces of it, and we will evaluate it again in the spring,” said Tasha Kelly, manager of leisure services for the District of Houston.
When asked if the remaining budget will be used to help repaint the arena in the spring, if district staff and council deem it a necessity, Kelly said, “Unfortunately I can’t use the leftover money as that was set aside for the project, which is now completed. Any repainting of those areas will come from the 2018 operational budget.”
Kelly added, “It is a shame anytime we experience vandalism, as it takes away other purchases I would have liked to have made for the facility. I reported it to the RCMP and they have taken my vandalism report seriously.”
Sergeant Jason Burndred of the Houston RCMP detachment said, “We have suspects in respect to this that we are investigating.
Sergeant Burndred also added that a vehicle was also vandalized with spray paint in the same area. “The schools have also been vandalized by spray paint, as well as a residence.”
“The whole thing is very upsetting. I hope they catch whoever is doing this so that they can pay for all the damages,” said Rosalee Longpre, owner whose house was vandalized by black spray paint.
At this time the Houston RCMP is asking that the public contact the Houston RCMP detachment, at 250-845-3304, if anyone has information or surveillance footage on the graffiti vandalism.