Playground dedicated to Fort Erie soldier vandalized with graffiti

A Crystal Beach playground dedicated to a local war hero was vandalized over the weekend.

What appeared to be lewd images and profanity were graffitied on various areas of Corporal Albert Storm CD Memorial Playground. A garbage can at Crystal Beach Waterfront Park was also damaged.

The crime resulted in about $5,000 in damage.

“We are asking those who may have camera footage to step forward and supply footage to the town,” staff from Fort Erie’s infrastructure services and community services department said in an email.

Town staff believe the vandalism occurred Sunday evening. It was made aware of it Monday morning.

By Tuesday, the graffiti had been cleaned up, an effort that cost the town $1,000. The damaged garbage can, which was new, was removed.

The park opened in 2009.

Its playground is dedicated to Storm, who died in Afghanistan in 2006. His story was recently featured in a display called “A Soldier’s Sacrifice” as part of Fort Erie Historical Museum’s “Wartime Experiences: A Local Perspective” exhibit.

A Facebook post made by Crystal Beach Waterfront Supper Market called the damage “deeply disrespectful.”

“The memorial in Crystal Beach was created so that his sacrifice would never be forgotten,” the post said. “It is a place where children can play, families can gather and members of our community can pause and remember the tremendous price that has been paid for the freedoms we enjoy.”

Clark Bernat, manager of museums and cultural services, described Storm as being part of a “long tradition” of people who make the choice to serve their country and a greater purpose.

“Beyond the damage to a public asset, actions of this nature can have a real impact on those who knew and cared about Corporal Storm, as well as residents who see his memorial as a symbol of service and sacrifice,” he said.

The municipality said this is only one of several cases of vandalism in its parks and open spaces this year. Another recent incident included graffiti and broken fixtures at the Douglas Park washrooms.

“Staff have spent a significant amount of time in the 2026 season being reactive to vandalism and illegal dumping activities,” it said in the email.

A report was filed with Niagara Regional Police. The town is hoping anyone with relevant security or dashcam footage will help with tracking down the culprit.

Footage of the vandalism can be forwarded to customerservice@forterie.ca.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe