WEBC reports vandalism and thefts at Amherstburg and Windsor trails

A photo posted on WEBC’s social media accounts shows someone painted their name on a tree in Windsor. This is just one act of vandalism that is being investigated.

The Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC) has been enduring vandalism and theft at some of its trails and is now speaking out.

WEBC president James Braakman said things are actually working out in a positive way and the group is getting more support as a result of its social media post last week.

“It’s a story that really blew up,” said Braakman. “It’s a string of events that started in 2023 and went on through last week.”

The incidents started with the theft of signage at phase one of the Libro Centre trails in Amherstburg. It has also involved graffiti at Black Oak Heritage Park in Windsor and spray paint on the new location of Flow Café and Bikes in Windsor. The latter is at a Canadian heritage site, said Braakman.

“That was really upsetting,” he added.

In its social media post, it stated: “WEBC would much rather be posting about trail improvements, youth programming, community rides, volunteer work, and the exciting projects we have planned for Windsor Essex. Unfortunately, we feel it’s important to publicly address an ongoing pattern of vandalism and misinformation connected to our organization.”WEBC states it has no involvement in any of these action and the group “does not support vandalism, destruction, conflict, or irresponsible behaviour of any kind.”Braakman said WEBC has an idea of who is doing these actions and why they are doing it, but the group wants to let police do their investigation and WEBC is working with them. 

“It’s someone trying to misrepresent us and drag our reputation through the mud,” said Braakman. “We just want it to stop. There’s no need for it.”

The social media post added: “Bringing attention to this behaviour is the last thing we want to do, but we also cannot allow false narratives and intentional misrepresentation to continue publicly.”

Braakman said the vandalism and thefts are actually having the opposite effect, as it is allowing people to learn about WEBC, what the group does and the programs they offer. The group posted online their focus is about protecting natural spaces, encourage responsible trail use, building community through cycling and creating positive opportunities for youth and families.

“We’re trying to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive,” he said.

Braakman said they have a number of events planned for Amherstburg this year, including a cycling themed weekend at Open Air, group rides, a Terry Fox ride and more.

“There are so many cool things WEBC is doing in Amherstburg,” said Braakman.The social media post added: “We also encourage our community to continue looking out for one another and for the spaces we all care about. These parks, trails, businesses, and public areas belong to all of us, and it takes the community working together to protect them.”

WEBC reports vandalism and thefts at Amherstburg and Windsor trails

By Ron Giofu