Hydro poles used for target practice in Goulais River, cause $220K damage

OPP and Crime Stoppers seek tips after vandals repeatedly shot at Hydro One poles in Goulais River, causing more than $220,000 in damage.

Ontario Provincial Police and Crime Stoppers are appealing for information after critical hydro infrastructure in northern Ontario was repeatedly shot at, causing more than $220,000 in damage.

OPP are investigating the incidents as mischief.

“On three separate occasions, between the middle of October and the end of November, unknown individuals damaged multiple Hydro One poles and insulators located at the end of Old Goulais Bay Road,” said officials with Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District in a news release.

“It appears the equipment was shot at with a firearm, leading investigators to believe the individuals were using them for target practice.”

The repeated vandalism has resulted in a steep repair bill. The total cost to replace and repair the damaged equipment is more than $220,000.

“Do you know who damaged this property?” asked OPP Const. Ashley Nickle, a program coordinator for local Crime Stoppers, in a related online video.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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