The St. Ignatius Parish Council has become very concerned with loitering and garbage being thrown around the Church property over the past few months.
Since the old parish house was taken down, the church parking lot has become a local hang out with vehicles and people using this private property.
In the last few months, the community has witnessed an increasing problem with vandalism and loitering. Vehicles are parked there day and night, leaving behind food containers, cigarette butts, plastic cutlery, beer and pop cans and bottles. A no parking/loitering sign was destroyed just a day after it was put in place showing no respect for this property and lack of cooperation.
The parking lot is meant for the use of church patrons only, including handicapped parking spaces. The current misuse of the grounds is causing security concerns especially for the elderly and the garbage has become an aesthetic concern for such a beautiful property that the citizens of the town are so proud of.
Cleaning up the area has become a daily chore for church staff and the debris and oil on the grounds have become a source of slipping and tripping hazards for patrons.
The parish council is looking for the cooperation of all citizens and residents to keep the area clean and free of hazards.
There are other options being considered which includes increased signage, RCMP patrols and video surveillance.
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