Repeated Vandalism at Pugwash Transfer Station

Vandals may be the undoing of Cumberland County’s transfer stations.

That’s the concern expressed by Greg Herrett, Cumberland’s Chief Administrative Officer.

The CAO told County Council today of repeated acts of vandalism that have escalated at the Pugwash Transfer Station. Herrett says it started with cutting the locks and grew to a complete dismantling of a reinforced gate, costing the county substantially in repairs, not to mention aggravation for staff.

Herrett says thieves are midnight shopping for recyclable valuables, though a greater danger rests in other liabilities.

The CAO says the vandalism is most untimely and may hasten the discussion about the site’s future.

He noted there are more stringent rules and environmental concerns coming down the pike from the province. Combined with the vandalism, the county may be forced to review the service to the public.

Such vandalism is not new. Thieves have been playing an expensive cat and mouse game with the Oxford Transfer Station.

Mayor Greg Henley says vandals have repeatedly cut their way into the Oxford site, costing dearly in repairs and replacement of video cameras, gates, and locks.

It is a dangerous and short-sighted practice that cannot end well for vandals nor taxpayers.

The photo shows the Pugwash Transfer Station during better days.

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