Charges laid in smashing of Peace Bridge windowpanes that caused $1M in damage
One man is facing charges after 80 per cent of the glass windowpanes on Calgary's iconic Peace Bridge were shattered over the weekend, causing nearly $1 million in damage.
The vandalism to the 70 panels happened at around 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 24.
Witnesses reported a man using a hammer, rebar and bricks to smash the glass as he walked from one side of the bridge to the other, pushing a shopping cart with him as he went.
On Wednesday, police said 58-year-old Brian Douglas Jensen had been charged in relation to the most recent vandalism, as well as a separate incident on June 18 where, at around 1:10 a.m., a single windowpane on the same bridge was shattered.
Jensen is charged with two counts each of mischief to property over $5,000, disturbing the peace, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, breaches of a conditional sentence order and a bylaw infraction for unlawful disposal of waste in a park.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Calgary Police Service's non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
PEACE BRIDGE VANDALISM COSTING CALGARIANS
Damage to the glass panelling on Calgary's iconic Peace Bridge on Sunday, July 24, 2022. The bridge, built a decade ago in 2012, is so frequently vandalised that city officials recently launched a new campaign aimed at reducing intentional damage to the structure.
According to city officials, an average of six panels broken every year, and it costs roughly $80,000 a year to remove and replace the broken panels. This does not include the cost of the panels themselves, as the city has been using replacement panels provided when the bridge was first built.
Recently, the city has been looking into the possibility of using alternate materials other than glass for windowpanes.
“We know the Peace Bridge is an iconic art structure in our city, and we know Calgarians are upset by the vandalism and damage caused to something that is meant to be enjoyed by everyone,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Liana Deegan said on Monday.
Anyone who witnesses Peace Bridge vandalism in progress is asked to call 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.