Barrie police responded to their old headquarters Sunday morning after vandals caused thousands of dollars in damage at the Sperling Drive building, which now houses the COVID-19 testing centre.
No one was present at the building when the vandals threw rocks through the windows, tossed pylons into the nearby culvert, and tipped over the portable toilets.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday that officers responded to the scene around 8 a.m. to investigate what was a costly act of vandalism.
“Due to the damage to windows, it is being investigated as a mischief over $5,000,” he said. “Damage is estimated at approximately $10,000, which was an estimate provided from a City of Barrie facilities (staff) member.”
Leon said that it doesn’t appear that entry was gained into the building and, with no video evidence and no known suspects, the “investigation has concluded," he added.
The centre’s interim manager, Amy Wardell, told BarrieToday that it was very disheartening to see all the damage and disarray, but she was reminded of the community spirit shortly after clean-up.
“Who does this? Who does this to a COVID testing centre that is trying to help the community through these current times?” she asked.
“Honestly, I was really upset until I saw how the city handled it and our workers handled it," Wardell added. "The city was in here immediately for the clean-up and our great workers got right back to work helping our patients.”
The smashed windows are boarded up and the centre is still operating, taking approximately 300 people a day.
The former police headquarters had been vacant for several months after moving into the new emergency services campus on Fairview Road in the south end.
