Photo by Vince Fedoroff
RASH OF VANDALISM WILL PROVE COSTLY – A damaged parking meter is seen Tuesday on Steele Street near city hall. The heads of a variety of other meters were stolen and badly damaged.
Meters pilfered, damaged beyond repair
The City of Whitehorse is looking at a hefty bill to replace a slew of parking meters that have been stolen and damaged around town.
The City of Whitehorse is looking at a hefty bill to replace a slew of parking meters that have been stolen and damaged around town.
According to city spokesperson O’Shea Jephson, “Last week, City of Whitehorse Bylaw Services became aware of a number of parking meters that were missing and believed to be stolen.
“Based on an inventory conducted by bylaw staff, 15 double-parking meters were taken.
“The meters were later found on a nearby street but they were severely damaged and no longer useable. The city is now working with the RCMP, who will be investigating the alleged theft.”
Replacing the meters will be pricey, Jephson said.
“City staff will install new meters as soon as conditions permit,” he said. “The cost to replace a meter head is approximately $2,000 for a single meter and $4,000 for a double-meter head.”
The cost to taxpayers, consequently, will run into tens of thousands of dollars – not to mention the revenue lost from the ongoing absence of meters on some streets.
“The city will have to order some additional meters as well due to the number of meters stolen,” Jephson said.
In the meantime, parking will be free in those spots where no meters are available until new ones are reinstalled, Jephson added.
Anyone who noticed anything suspicious or has any information on the thefts, including video, is asked to contact Whitehorse RCMP at 667-5551.
To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at https://www.crimestoppersyukon.ca or by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Comments (5)
Up 1 Down 0
North_of_60 on Jan 24, 2024 at 12:21 am
This is reminiscent of the opening scene of Paul Newman's 1967 classic 'Cool Hand Luke' where Luke's destruction of the parking meters could be viewed as his statement against the status quo of capitalist oppression.
Up 1 Down 0
Nathan Living on Jan 23, 2024 at 9:47 am
Interesting to see that crime also affects the city.
The collective we have to deal with the decline of our City including bad driving, open drug and alcohol use, and panhandling etc.
Up 81 Down 13
Rod on Jan 17, 2024 at 7:08 pm
Is there no cameras in the area from banks or businesses that would have caught anything?
Not that it matter…even if caught only be a slap on the wrist with this ridiculous justice system!
Up 95 Down 22
Guncache on Jan 17, 2024 at 5:11 pm
Here's a novel idea, don't replace them
Up 93 Down 22
Average citizen on Jan 17, 2024 at 3:17 pm
The city has helped create an environment where this sort of thing is common place. Now instead of it happening to average citizens it is happening to them. (Still paid for by the citizens)
Please work on creating a safe and crime free downtown core