The City of Kimberley has placed metal barricades at the top and bottom of the Townsite stairs and is asking people to refrain from using them.
Mayor Ron McRae says vandals are responsible.
“Some rather large rocks were rolled down the stairs and caused some damage,” he said. “We had to close them. We are asking people to stay off of them, please.”
McRae says he is uncertain when, or if, the stairs will reopen.
“There are financial implications in terms of repairs,” he said. “We are not going to repair them until we get a clearer picture of the cost of repairs, and to what standard they need to be repaired to for insurance purposes.”
McRae says that it is a shame that vandalism is costing the City money it an ill afford.
In the meantime, McRae says, there are still two alternate ways to make your way up to Townsite by foot.
“People can use the path to the left of the stairs, or the paved path just up from the United Church,” he said.