When you walk through King’s Square, you expect to see the city’s history on display. Recently, vandals targeted several monuments in the heart of uptown Saint John. Thieves ripped historical plaques from their cement bases in the square and along the Harbour Passage walking trail. According to a report from CTV News Atlantic, the missing markers include tributes to Canadian troops who served in the Second World War and Afghanistan.

Significant Historical Losses

The theft impacts several key monuments. Beyond the War Memorial, vandals damaged the monument for Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, a Father of Confederation. They also removed the plaque honoring Olympic speed skater Charles Gorman.

City and Community Response

The City of Saint John stated in an email to CTV Atlantic that staff are assessing the affected sites. They confirmed they will replace the damaged plaques. The city called the vandalism extremely unfortunate due to the significance these memorials hold for veterans and families. Ward councillor Eric Savoie expressed disappointment over the thefts. He appealed directly to the individuals responsible to return the items. “Whether they leave them here where they found them or return them through other means, I know many people in Saint John, myself included, would be grateful to have these plaques,” Savoie said.

A Broader Vandalism Issue

The missing plaques highlight a growing trend of property damage in the uptown core. Saint John police recently launched an investigation into multiple graffiti incidents. Officers identified 25 different locations with unreported tags. Uptown resident Denise Gallant had her historic brick home tagged twice recently. She noted the difficulty of removing graffiti from older masonry and called the situation heartbreaking. Another resident, Allen Cobbett, pointed out that public spaces naturally attract some level of mischief, regardless of security measures like cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plaques were stolen in Saint John?

Vandals stole plaques from the War Memorial, the Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley monument, and the Charles Gorman memorial in King’s Square, along with several markers on the Harbour Passage trail.

Will the city replace the missing plaques?

Yes. The City of Saint John confirmed they are assessing the damage and will replace the stolen plaques.

Is there an increase in vandalism in uptown Saint John?

Yes. Alongside the stolen plaques, Saint John police are investigating at least 25 recent graffiti incidents in the uptown area.