Lock 4 Park in Fall River has experienced an escalating series of vandalism incidents that are damaging both a community recreational space and an important piece of Nova Scotia’s heritage.
In August, two safety railings were completely ripped out and thrown into the water. One was torn from a closed section of trail and pushed into the historic lock. Days later, the railing from the park’s access ramp, installed just last summer, was torn off and thrown into the river.
These incidents follow an ongoing pattern of vandalism at the site, including:
graffiti on the historic stone lock walls;
reports of stones being pulled from the historic lock;
damage to park infrastructure; and
repeated theft, removal or destruction of safety signs, barriers and trail closures.
Why this matters
Lock 4 Park is a public space used by community members for walking, fishing, paddling and access through the neighbourhood. Damaging safety infrastructure and removing trail closures can put visitors at risk and may result in areas of the park having to be temporarily closed.
The vandalism is also affecting an important heritage resource. Lock 4 contains stonework dating to the earliest construction of the Shubenacadie Canal in the 1820s and was designated by the Province of Nova Scotia as a Special Place in recognition of its historical and archaeological significance.
The Shubenacadie Canal Commission is a small non-profit charity responsible for caring for the site and providing public access. Every incident requires staff time and financial resources to document damage, make areas safe and arrange repairs. Those are resources that could otherwise be directed toward preserving and improving the waterway.
Help us protect Lock 4
The recent incidents have been reported to the RCMP.
If you witnessed vandalism at Lock 4 Park or have information that may assist the investigation, please contact the RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment at 902-490-5020 and reference File #2026-124185.
If you notice new damage or a safety concern at Lock 4 Park, please contact the Shubenacadie Canal Commission.
Lock 4 is part of our shared heritage and a community space cared for for everyone to enjoy. Please help us protect it.