The gates blocking vehicles from Cypher Systems Group Greenway have been stolen, according to the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).
ERCA is now calling anyone with information about the disappearance of the 12-foot gates to come forward.
“As crews were undertaking maintenance along the Greenway trail systems in preparation for spring, it was discovered that the two 12-foot gates at the Pinkerton intersection of the greenway trail had been completely removed,” said Kevin Money, ERCA’s director of conservation service.
“Removing these steel gates would have required a significant amount of coordination by the perpetrators, including removal with tools and loading the heavy gates into a large trailer.”
ERCA said it will cost thousands to replace the gates. Anyone who has seen suspicious activity in conservation areas or on the trails is asked to report it to police immediately.
The conservation authority also reported a fire earlier in the month, causing almost 40 acres of wetland to be burned at Tremblay Beach Conservation Area. No infrastructure was damaged.
“These types of incidents impact the use of conservation areas by the public and can result in many thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement costs,” said Money.
“If someone sees activities that seem amiss or could lead to damages, we encourage them to contact local authorities.”
You can contact the OPP’s non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers with information.
