Sylvan Lake’s Winter Village was vandalized during the night of January 12th and is now under RCMP investigation. 

Executive Director of Sylvan Lake’s Chamber of Commerce Denise Bryan-Williams says it is believed that few vandals went through the site ripping down decorations and stealing a few extension cords. The display’s destruction is especially heartbreaking given how many businesses in the community take part in supporting its construction. 

“This isn't a town initiative, it's a group of business owners in the Chamber. We fundraise every dollar to to create this every year. It's our fourth year and it does cost about $35,000 to do this every year,” explained Bryan-Williams. 

This year, simply putting up the display was a huge success for the community. 

“This was one of those years where we didn't even know if we could do it. When you have to raise that kind of money and businesses are hurting, you really hate to go and say ‘hey, can you donate a little bit and help us do this?’ but you know what? We were shocked and surprised at how people found a way to do it,” said Bryan-Williams. 

She was inspired to put on the display in order to brighten the moods of everyone facing a difficult year calling the Winter Village a labor of love. In the past, she has never experienced the same sort of mischief that the town saw this year. 

The Winter Village is still open although a little bit darker for the time being. Bryan-Williams says the ice-rink is still well-lit. 

“(The ice rink) is so beautiful and is something that the committee added this year. It's been a massive hit, so there's still lots of reasons to come.” 

You can also view the Winter Village by the town’s virtual live cams. 

As the investigation continues, a GoFundMe account has been started to help cover the cost of the destruction. Bryan-Williams is hoping to light up the Winter Village before the season has passed. 

She expects that she and the committee will have to consider additional security in the years to come. 

“It will be something for the committee to decide, and it's sad we're at this point.”