There is a large reward up for grabs if you have information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for damage to 32 trees in the Halifax Public Gardens.
The reward is made up of $25,000 in donations from concerned citizens and a $25,000 personal match from Robert Pace, Chair of The Public Gardens Foundation.
Sometime between 9:00 PM on July 25 and 7:00 AM on July 26 an individual or individuals broke into the Halifax Public Gardens and cut large sections of bark from 32 trees in an apparent effort to kill them. Many of the trees ranged in age from 50 to 200 years old. Four of the trees have had to be removed and staff are working to save the remainder.
“Halifax residents are proud of their beautiful Public Gardens and these senseless acts of vandalism to
the Gardens have greatly impacted residents and galvanized them to help find those responsible for
these crimes.” said Friends of The Public Gardens in a statement.
Replacement of the 32 trees is estimated to cost $350,000.
The reward for information will be in effect until December 30, 2022. Halifax Regional Police are asking anyone with information, images, or video related to the vandalism of the Halifax Public Gardens to call 1-902-471-7877. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Online tips can be submitted to https://crimestoppers.ns.ca/online-tips