An RCMP memorial in Moncton vandalized in August isn’t the only monument along the riverfront that had something taken from it. Now an Acadian monument in Dieppe has now also been hit by thieves. City of Dieppe spokesperson Julie Albert confirmed that two bronze plaques were stolen from the Acadian Odyssey Monument located along the Riverfront Trail. “This happened earlier this spring,” said Albert in an email. “The city is currently consulting with suppliers to explore replacement options that would be more resistant to theft.” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellette said there is no indication that a report has been filed with police. “Consequently, we are unable to confirm the circumstances of the incident, determine when the plaques may have been removed, or identify who might be responsible,” said Ouellette in an email. On or around Aug. 12, one of 12 bronze maple leaves that wrap around the RCMP monument was stolen. RCMP Constables Doug Larche, Fabrice Gevaudan and Dave Ross were shot and killed by a gunman on June 4, 2014 and the memorial pays honour to them. The monuments are located roughly two kilometres apart from one another. City of Moncton spokesperson Aloma Jardine said the city will be replacing the maple leaf. Jardine said the thumbprints for the missing leaf will need to be redone. “The leaf that was stolen was for first responders, so first responders will be invited to contribute their prints to the replacement leaf,” said Jardine in an email. Ouellette said there’s nothing new to report in the investigation of the stolen bronze maple leaf, which is roughly 60 cm by 60 cm. An Acadian monument in Memramcook, N.B. was also the target of vandals this summer. The historic statue of Père Camille Lefebvre was toppled sometime during the evening of Aug. 25 and the morning of Aug. 26. Lefebrve founded the former Catholic Acadian University of St. Joseph’s College in Memramcook in 1864 and played a pivotal part in Acadian history and culture. The statue was then removed from the site for repairs, but was restored on Sept. 8. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
