A popular bandstand at a park in Glace Bay, N.S. has been damaged by fire and police have determined it was a case of arson.
The incident follows a slew of deliberately-set fires in the area in recent months.
The fire was first spotted at the bandstand in Queen Elizabeth Park around 3 a.m. Friday. The incident has angered park users.
“Devastated actually, because this is a beautiful place to come with your children,” says Marilyn Gillard. “We’ve been coming here for years.”
“I’m disgusted. I can’t believe people would do that,” says Logan Anthony. “It’s a good spot to hang out.”
The bandstand is a hub of activity for Canada Day celebrations on July 1 and is also an integral part of the community’s annual Bay Days Summer Festival.
Festival chair Brian Shaw says, if the bandstand is too far gone, it will put a big dent in next year’s event.
“Certainly, one of the biggest events that gets put on is our Family Day here at Queen Elizabeth Park. There’s all kinds of activities for kids,” says Shaw. “Certainly, the band shelter gets used to a great extent during those activities. Without it, it’s just a big hit.”
Officials with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, which maintains the bandstand, say they hope the structure can be repaired and can remain a big part of community events in Glace Bay.
The incident remains under investigation.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
