TORONTO – Some members of Toronto’s St. Lawrence community are criticizing police after a cruiser drove across the neighbourhood’s new basketball court.
On Tuesday evening, a Toronto police officer drove onto the court in pursuit of an alleged drug dealer. They made the arrest but the court was left unusable.
“The youth use this basketball court as an outlet. Unfortunately some of them, they don’t have much going on for themselves…They’re facing challenges such as trying to find jobs,” Debbie Crane, a community activist in the area said. “We’re not too sure where the kids are right now, they could be out on the streets.”
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A video of the incident was posted on YouTube overnight.
The court was built three years ago after a $22,000 donation by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE).
The morning after the basketball court was damaged, vandals painted the area with graffiti.
But Crane said she’s not upset with Toronto police – they’ve accepted responsibility.
“Absolutely we acknowledge the damage occurred,” Constable Wendy Drummond said. “We’ve submitted a property damage occurrence to the city of Toronto.”
Police have also met with the city and the local councillor to discuss the basketball court.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Committee is promising quick action but Crane insists the community is taking the lead.
“We’re going to be out here tomorrow morning, full force, eight in the morning,” Crane said. “I’m going to get some of the youth to come out, to get them involved as well because it’s their basketball court. It’s for them.”
Representatives from the city, police and MLSE will also be joining in the effort to repair the basketball court.
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