Heather Beach Provincial Park in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, is facing a series of vandalism incidents, prompting the Department of Natural Resources to remove accessibility mats for the remainder of the 2026 season. According to the regional director of Natural Resources, Reg Delorey, vandals recently destroyed the blue mats that assist wheelchair users in accessing the beach. The vandals not only removed the mats but also used large aluminum spikes to damage the park’s buildings.
Delorey mentioned that the vandalism began with the relocation of a lifeguard chair and escalated when the chair was secured in place. Despite reporting the incidents to the RCMP, the perpetrators have not been apprehended. The RCMP is actively investigating the cases of property damage at Heather Beach.
The destruction of the mats has rendered them unusable, as both mats have been completely ruined. Although situated in a provincial park, the mats are owned by the Municipality of Cumberland. Delorey assured that the mobility chairs at the beach remain undamaged.
As the lifeguard season draws to a close, Delorey noted that the accessibility mats would typically remain in place until mid- to late September, depending on weather conditions. Plans are underway to discuss with the county authorities regarding the replacement of the mats for the next season.
Delorey confirmed that while Heather Beach had not experienced such severe vandalism before, other beaches along the North Shore have reported similar incidents in the past. He emphasized the importance of reporting any information on the vandalism to the RCMP or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.
For further details on the recent vandalism at Heather Beach Provincial Park, readers can refer to the provided source link.