Bus shelters smashed in communities around Armdale Roundabout
At least 22 Halifax Transit shelters had their front glass panes smashed by vandals as Halifax experienced a frigid weekend.
Yellow caution tape is wrapped around the bus shelters on Herring Cove Road, Purcells Cove Road and near the Armdale Roundabout. Shelters on Quinpool, Mumford and St. Margarets Bay roads were also smashed.
Those catching the bus had to wait out in the cold, since the shelters are inaccessible and filled with broken glass.
'No respect for public property'
Some of the smashed shelters were in District 11 Spryfield - Sambro Loop - Prospect Road. The councillor for that area called the acts vandalism "unconscionable."
"Residents who are trying to get to work, trying to get to school or visit friends or do whatever now are going to be inconvenienced — and I'll say it — by a bunch of little mutts or a mutt who has no respect for public property," said Stephen Adams.
The incidents happened overnight between Friday and Saturday morning. On Sunday, Halifax Regional Police confirmed it first received reports of smashed bus shelters late Saturday afternoon.
Police know of 22 shelters between Purcells Cove Road and St. Margarets Bay Road that were smashed and have launched an investigation.
Adams said he's concerned about residents who could find themselves standing outside in snowstorms as it could take several days for all the shelters to be fixed.
"People rely on our transit system and they rely on being able to stand in a bus shelter and stay dry so they're not spending the rest of their day in wet clothes," he said.
Pricey repair bill
Anyone who knows how the shelters were smashed is encouraged to contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers. Adams also said tipsters could call him "in strictest of confidence" if they know who was behind the vandalism.
"What really annoys me about this as well is that some people try to justify the behavior by saying the individual or individuals involved were bored," Adams said. "Well, if they're that bored, let them read a book."
A spokesperson with the city said it costs between $5,000 and $6,000 to replace a bus shelter.
