Senseless vandalism!

Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site employees were greeted with an unhappy sight this morning when they arrived at work.

Vandals had their way with a sign commemorating Canada’s only remaining emergency swing dam located at the local historic site.

“We have always offered unrestricted access to the site 24 hours a day for the public to enjoy,” said Manon Cuthbertson, interpretation officer coordinator at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. “But when things like this happen, we really worry about being able to preserve the site’s cultural assets and protect it for future generations to enjoy.”

Less than a year old, the sign featured a large three-dimensional gear, which was broken off, its pieces strewn about the site and thrown into the canal.

“This destruction is particularly upsetting, especially in times of limited budgets," said Cuthbertson. "We are trying to do more with less, and this certainly won’t help.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site has suffered other acts of vandalism in the past, including broken windows and doors, graffiti, and the theft of park benches and other items.

Additional site security measures are currently being investigated.

Repair costs for the damaged sign has yet to be determined and anyone with information regarding this act of vandalism is asked to contact City Police.