Bad history: Museum building struck by vandals

“It was unfortunate today because we were welcoming our first school group back to the museum, and while they are lined-up outside the museum, they are looking up and seeing the graffiti,” Fleck told Vernon Matters.

Fleck says the spray paintings won’t be up for long, as the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) , which manages arts and culture in the region, will have a team at the site Tuesday morning to clean-up the damage.

“We are aware of the vandalism and have opened an investigation,” Constable Chris Terleski with Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said.

The most visible message, located above the main entrance, read: ‘$HEE$H BB CAKE$,’ while another on the side said ‘R + C.’ A third message on the west-facing side said ‘HEAD ON STRAIGHT.’

Fleck says he was pleased there was no coherent message.

“Nobody was targeted, no specific group. It was almost like silly words and phrases,” Fleck said. “I was particularly glad that it wasn’t racist towards anybody. We don’t feel like we were targeted. It wasn’t a focus on the museum.”

Brad Ackerman, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture with the RDNO, said they were made aware of the vandalism to the Museum building Monday morning.

“Staff have secured a contractor to clean up the graffiti starting Tuesday, June 8. Once completed, staff will inspect to see if any further actions are warranted. The RCMP is currently investigating the incident to determine the timelines of the occurrence and any potential witnesses,” Ackerman said.

Anyone who may have information regarding the incident or witnessed suspicious activity in the area is encouraged to contact the RCMP’s non-emergency line, or Crimestoppers with information.

Reaction on social media has been swift.

“Not even sure what it means…to whoever felt compelled to graffiti the building …. Grow Up! I hope you get caught and have to pay for the clean up,” wrote one person on the Vernon and Area Community Forum on Facebook, in response to the damage.

“Extremely disappointing that someone decides to tag,” another person posted. “Not only is it pathetically awful looking but it costs all of us as taxpayers. And everyone wonders why we have no money for things? Well perhaps if it weren’t spent on crap like cleaning up peoples inconsiderate vandalism then there might be room in the budget for new things. Whomever did this should be ashamed. Tag your own crap.”

Vandalism to museum building. (Vernon Matters photo)

by Pete McIntyre

Bad history: Museum building struck by vandals

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