Courtesy
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A section of land near the North Hatley wharf was cordoned off with Sûreté du Québec (SQ) tape recently following repeated acts of vandalism and trespassing at Lôbadanaki Park, a privately owned area managed by the conservation group Bleu Massawippi.
According to Bleu Massawippi’s biologist and scientific coordinator, Sabrina Leclercq, the organization had installed a fence to protect the shoreline and visitors after a safety incident occurred last summer. “It wasn’t an accident, but it was a situation that could have become dangerous. Since there are no lifeguards and it’s private property, we’re responsible,” Leclercq explained.
The fenced-off area includes a riparian strip along Lake Massawippi, where Bleu Massawippi has been conducting ecological restoration work. “We do want to add some plants… to help with the erosion in that area and to help with the animals living there. There’s a beaver in that area, many birds,” Leclercq said.
However, the fence and accompanying signage were repeatedly vandalized. “They removed some poles, they pushed down the fence, they stole the signs… even some of the plants we put in last year were stolen,” Leclercq said. “And plants are expensive.”
After the damage continued despite installing surveillance cameras, Bleu Massawippi called in the police. “[Bleu Massawippi Director] Laurence [Renaud-Langevin] made a couple of the reports… and the police came and put up the tape so people would know there’s something going on—you can’t just break the fence because you’re unhappy that you can’t access the water,” she said.
The section of land, which may appear to be public, is not part of the municipal beach. “We understand that people want to swim, but they can go to those places—especially the [municipal] beach, because there are lifeguards there,” Leclercq emphasized.
In response to a reader inquiry, the Town of North Hatley confirmed that the taped-off section is part of Lôbadanaki Park and is privately owned. “A fence was installed by the organization in order to protect the flora and fauna… which had been repeatedly damaged by trespassers,” the town stated by email. “The fence was destroyed several times. Bleu Massawippi called the SQ, in which tape was installed in attempts to stop the repeated vandalism.”
Leclercq confirmed that the SQ tape was placed directly by the police themselves and not at the organization’s request.
Although Bleu Massawippi has no confirmed suspect, Leclercq said one local resident may have an idea who is responsible, and the organization hopes the presence of security cameras will deter further damage. “So far, nothing happened since the cameras were up,” she said.
Bleu Massawippi also requested that SQ officers increase patrols in the area, particularly at night. “Last year, it really was a catastrophe. It was chaos in the park—cans everywhere, trash everywhere,” said Leclercq. But so far, this summer has been calmer. “Nothing happened on June 24, which is a good sign. Hopefully there won’t be any incidents for July 1 either.”