A long row of shattered glass panels is greeting visitors to Edmonton’s 100 Street Funicular, with 21 panels visibly damaged in what the city says was a recent wave of vandalism.
The damage has frustrated residents and visitors who use the funicular to access the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Samantha Morrison, who was walking near the funicular with a friend, said she has seen similar damage at the attraction before.
“I certainly like the glass. It looks great here, but this is a continuous sort of problem. I’ve seen damage here a few times,” said Samantha Morrison.
Mar Scardua, who was also walking near the funicular, said the damage takes away from the experience.
“You see great views of the city, and seeing that kind of damage just breaks my heart,” said Scardua.
Sheldon Holland said he is concerned about the cost of repairing damage paid for by taxpayers.
“I think it’s pretty unfortunate. We spend money in taxes to improve the city and make it nice, the residents like to see it in good condition. It’s unfortunate that it gets broken like this,” said Holland.
Anne Stevenson, councillor for Ward O-day’min, said the vandalism was carried out by one person over several days and that person has been arrested.
“Vandalism never reflects well on the community. It can make us feel that little bit less safe or comfortable in a space,” said Anne Stevenson, councillor for Ward O-day’min.
Stevenson said she could not provide an estimate for the cost of the latest repairs, but said Edmonton’s overall budget for cleaning up vandalism has been increasing.
“We’ve had to look at our overall vandalism budget and add a few million to it. There’s just been such an increase in recent years. It’s an unfortunate thing that we’re having to respond to,” said Stevenson.
Earlier this year, the city estimated vandalism-related repairs to the funicular cost between $40,000 and $70,000 each year.
A city spokesperson said the funicular is seeing an increase in vandalism-related costs and that the city is “investigating alternative options to glass that may be more durable and help reduce future repair costs.”
Jake Lamoureaux, who was visiting the area, said a different material could help prevent the glass from shattering.
“I think plexiglass would really work out because it wouldn’t leave a mess like that and shatter as easily,” said Jake Lamoureaux.
But Holland said changing the material may not stop vandalism.
“Whether it’s glass or something a little bit stronger, the vandals are still going to look for something else to let their frustrations out on,” said Holland.
The 100 Street Funicular opened in late 2017 and provides access between downtown Edmonton and the river valley.
An Edmonton police cruiser. (CityNews)
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