Pearl Lorentzen
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeside Leader

The Smith Community Complex will be fenced soon, to deter crime.

At the Oct. 8, 2025 M.D. of Lesser Slave River council meeting council approved $95,000 to fence complex.

Barry Kolenosky, M.D. CAO, gave the report.

Criminals are using the recreation ground to break into the adjacent M.D. transportation lot, he said. They park by the fence and make holes in the fence. Last time, they stole 1,000 litres of fuel.

“We need to do something,” he said.

How will SHARA, Traildusters, hockey players, skaters, and people access the hall, asked Councillor Nancy Sand.

Regular users will get a swipe card to open the gate, said Kolenosky. The Widewater Community Complex used to have issues with people driving in in the middle of the night doing donuts, and breaking windows with the gravel. A fence with a gate that is locked at night fixed the problem. The M.D. plans the same in Smith, and also to move the transportation yard gate further in, so that the water truck driver can park off the road before opening the gate.

Also, the thefts are happening at night or early morning, he added. The most recent video was 15 minutes before the staff arrived. If they were delayed or staff arrived early, there could be a confrontation.

Another time, criminals cut the live power cable on the side of the hall, said Kolenosky to get at copper wire.

“It’s a deterrent,” said Councillor Brad Pearson. “It worked in Widewater.”

“It’s a lot (of money),” said Sand, “but how much have we lost so far.”

The M.D. will talk with each of the groups who use the complex, said Kolenosky.

The money will come from building maintenance operating budget.