Heavy damage to the washroom facility at the Morrisburg Beach means they will be out of order until approximately Aug. 31. Temporary facilities will be put in place, just as the area is entering into the busiest season of the year. Courtesy Photo
MORRISBURG – Visitors to Morrisburg Beach will have to make do without the facility’s permanent washrooms for much of the summer after a deliberate act of vandalism caused extensive damage to the building overnight on June 11.
The Municipality of South Dundas announced that the beach washrooms have been closed effective immediately and are expected to remain out of service for at least eight weeks while repairs are completed.
Municipal officials estimate the damage will cost approximately $7,000 to repair, with the work now expected to be completed by Aug. 31.
The closure comes during one of the busiest times of the year for the popular waterfront destination, which attracts both local residents and visitors from across the region throughout the summer months.
In a statement, municipal officials expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the costs associated with the repairs will ultimately be borne by local taxpayers.
“These facilities exist for every family, child and visitor who comes to enjoy Morrisburg Beach,” the municipality stated. “They are funded by taxpayers and maintained with public resources.”
Municipal officials described the vandalism as an act that demonstrates a lack of respect for the community and the shared public spaces that residents rely upon.
The municipality is now working to establish temporary washroom facilities to ensure beach users continue to have access to basic amenities while repairs are underway.
While details about the vandalism have not been released, officials are encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The incident serves as a reminder of the financial impact vandalism can have on municipal budgets. Repair costs often divert funds from other community priorities and place an additional burden on taxpayers.
Anyone with information related to the incident, or who witnesses suspicious activity around municipal facilities, is encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities.
Barring any unforeseen delays, repairs to the washroom building are expected to be completed by the end of August, allowing the facility to reopen just slightly before the close of the summer season.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
