Many Innisfail residents were left feeling disgusted after the community’s cemetery was vandalized earlier this week, says the town’s mayor.
Overnight Wednesday, about 100 gravestones at the Innisfail Community Cemetery were knocked over – some of the gravestones were damaged, according to RCMP. Town staff learned of the damage Thursday morning.
“I was extremely disappointed,” Mayor Jean Barclay said when asked how she felt upon learning about the vandalism.
“It’s hard to imagine the disrespect some people have if they’re doing that kind of thing. It’s very disheartening and I feel for the families that have been impacted. I hope the perpetrator (or perpetrators) will be brought to justice.”
People in the community are “extremely upset” by the vandalism, she added.
“I’m not sure there’s anything that disgusts people more than when they see headstones being toppled and damaged, especially to this extent,” she said, adding she’s never seen something like this happen in Innisfail.
“I believe about 10 years ago, there was some vandalism at the cemetery, but this is a whole other level.”
Town staff continues to gather information regarding the vandalism, according to a statement from the Town of Innisfail.
“Administration is working to complete a report with the intention of providing a briefing to council at the Monday, Oct. 17 agenda and priorities meeting,” the statement said.
“There will most likely be a significant cost associated with this act of vandalism and we reiterate that the destruction of property is a burden on the entire community. The Innisfail RCMP are actively involved, so the town has no further information regarding the investigation at this time.”
Police continue to search for the person or persons responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or their local police detachment. To remain anonymous, people can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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