Another business in downtown Maple Ridge is publicly expressing frustration, at a level that could cause them to leave the area.
On Tuesday, May 14 people from Garden Hill Cremation and Funeral Services posted a video to social media showing damage to their business, including a broken window and torn-up gardens and plants.
“This is not something I would normally do but we have reached out to many avenues for support and are getting nowhere,” said Nate Logue.
“The city of Maple Ridge will be losing another business in the downtown core if things don’t begin to change. Over 40 years my family have run our business, and there have always been small issues, but we have kept quiet. Until now.
He said it was the fourth window broken in last two weeks, and said there is daily vandalism.
“We are constantly cleaning up needles, human feces, people’s garbage and anything else you can think of. These issues are costing our business money and unnecessary stress on the grieving families we serve.”
His post received several supportive comments online.
“This is totally unacceptable and it’s time that we hold these deadbeats accountable,” commented Kevin Nosworthy. “We continue to support them with our tax dollars so they can vandalize family businesses like yours.”
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Ridge Meadows RCMP issued a press release saying they are aware of the video, are in contact with the owners of the business, and an investigation into this matter is under way. They also plan to be more visible downtown.
The safety of residents and businesses in Maple Ridge’s Town Centre remains a priority for the Ridge Meadows RCMP. Police-led safety initiatives such as Project Dovetail and Project Sentinel highlighted the importance of maintaining high visibility and cultivating positive relationships with businesses and residents in the downtown core, said the release by Const. Tisha Parsons.
Police will remain visible and accessible to businesses and residents downtown. Beginning May 22, the RCMP and City of Maple Ridge will be hosting pop-up community safety tents, to provide support to local businesses and offer an opportunity to chat with police about concerns they may have. Community safety tents are planned weekly, over several weeks, at various locations and times which will be announced.
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