The Municipality of South Dundas is deeply disappointed to share that three of our community parks were targeted overnight in a series of suspicious incidents, resulting in significant damage to public facilities that our residents rely on and take pride in.
South Dundas Fire & Emergency Services (SDFES) responded to two separate fire calls early this morning, within approximately thirty minutes of one another. One call reported a fire at Matilda Memorial Park, where crews found a 10-by-15-foot storage shed fully engulfed in flames. The other call reported a fire at Iroquois Beach, where a shed had been set on fire; the fire subsequently spread to the attic of the adjacent canteen and washroom building.
Both fires are being treated as suspicious in nature. The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) has been notified and is assisting SDFES, and O.P.P. with the investigation into the cause and origin of both incidents.
The Municipality has also become aware of vandalism to the washroom facility at Earl Baker Park, occurring around the same time.
Facility Closures
1) Iroquois Beach Canteen & Washrooms: Due to the extent of the damage, this washroom facility will remain closed for the remainder of the season. Portable toilets will be placed on site to ensure continued washroom access for park users.
2) Earl Baker Park Washrooms: Temporarily closed due to vandalism.
3) Matilda Memorial Park Washrooms: Temporarily closed due to proximity to the incident.
No injuries have been reported in connection with any of these incidents.
The Municipality of South Dundas extends its thanks to SDFES crews for their swift response to both fires.
If you witness something suspicious, please report it. Do not stay silent. Help us hold those responsible accountable.
O.P.P. Non-emergency: 1-888-310-1122
Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS
The Municipality will continue to work with SDFES, the OFM, and O.P.P., throughout the course of these investigations. Thank you to our residents for their patience and cooperation.