In July 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) commenced a mischief investigation after receiving reports of intentional damage to the Canada Summer Games Mountain Bike Course, located in the Glenridge / Western Hill area of St. Catharines. The course is situated on private property and has been made available to the Canada Summer Games by the Ontario Power Generation (OPG).
On July 19th, 2022, a large tree stump was located in the landing area of a jumping platform and tree branches were bent across the path in a believed attempt to obstruct cyclists from proceeding on the designated course route.
On July 24, 2022, broken glass spanning across 800 meters of the bicycle course was located.
On July 30, 2022, approximately 6 pounds of nails was located along the bicycle course.
In addition to conducting regular patrols of the course route, 1 District Community Oriented Engagement & Response Unit (CORE) officers are actively working with staff from the Canada Summer Games and volunteers from the Niagara Trail Maintenance Association (NTMA) to ensure both athletes and members of the community who use the trail are safe and free from hazards when doing so.
Anyone caught intentionally damaging or altering the mountain bike course in anyway that is dangerous to members of the public or Canada Summer Games athletes may be subject to criminal charges.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead investigator, Constable Luke Lindley of the CORE Unit at905-688-4111, option #3, extension #1009659.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incidents #22-83621, #22-83620, #22-83622, #22-85446
