Vandalism by Teens Causes $1.4M in Damages to New Longueuil Pool
In Longueuil, a significant act of vandalism by three teenagers has led to an estimated $1.4 million in damages at a newly renovated Olympic-sized swimming pool. This incident has caused the postponement of the pool’s opening by nearly nine months.
Details of the Vandalism Incident
On March 28, around 3 AM, two of the three teens gained access to the Cégep Édouard-Montpetit’s sports complex through an unlocked door. Wearing masks and gloves, they vandalized the nearly finished pool with various tools found on-site. Their destructive activities included:
- Breaking and throwing objects
- Discharging fire extinguishers
- Hitting surfaces with a hammer
They also filmed their actions on mobile phones and returned with a third accomplice five days later, inflicting further damage, including breaking doors and windows.
Damage Estimates and Financial Impact
The initial cost of damages was estimated at $2.1 million. However, it was later adjusted to $1.4 million, with potential for further increases pending final assessments for insurance purposes. Significant costs arose from:
- $600,000 for replacing damaged pool liner imported from Italy
- $400,000 for miscellaneous damages
- $400,000 in operational losses due to the delayed opening
As a result, the pool, originally scheduled to open in Spring 2025, only resumed operations in the previous month.
Subsequent Criminal Activity and Legal Consequences
Shortly after the initial vandalism, the teenagers also broke into a nearby secondary school, causing an additional $30,000 in damages. Authorities apprehended the minors later in the summer, and all pleaded guilty.
Sentencing and Community Impact
One of the teens will return to court for sentencing, while others received various penalties, including community service and probation. These young individuals, lacking any prior criminal records, were noted to have acted impulsively out of boredom.
Responsibility and Parental Consequences
This incident raises questions about parental responsibility for juvenile delinquency. Legal expert Benjamin Polifort highlights that parents could be held financially accountable for their children’s actions, especially if it can be proven that they neglected proper supervision. If the damages are covered by insurance, the insurer may seek reimbursement from the parents.
The legal responsibility of parents diminishes with the age of the child. For older minors, judicial expectations of parental oversight become less strict compared to younger children who commit similar offenses.
