Westmount Neighbourhood Watch in the works
‘It’s really important the community buys into this’
Owners of a dance school damaged by vandals in August are happy to hear moves are being made to set up a Neighbourhood Watch program in the area. Gillespie
“For Neighbourhood Watch to start over would just be fantastic,” said Susan Gallop, co-owner and head teacher at the Cape Breton School of the Arts.
Near the end of August, vandals broke into the school on Sunnydale Avenue and did thousands of dollars of damage.
They turned on all faucets and plugged the drains so water overflowed onto all the floors, destroying them. Downstairs, the line to the oil tank was cut. It was almost full. Christmas decorations, costumes and props were strewn about and left to soak in oil and water.
This wasn’t the first time vandals hit the performance arts school. But it was the worst in terms of damage.
“We’re in a position that we shouldn’t be in. It’s just totally unfair, at this point of time in our lives or anybody’s life. Nobody should have to go through that,” said Susan’s husband, Brian Gallop, coowner of the school.
“I’m emotional but I feel strong because of all these people helping us,” said Susan, who has run the dance school for 48 years.
The idea for the Neighbourhood Watch program is part of a threestep plan to help solve the problem of petty crime and vandalism in the area, which is believed to have been mostly committed by youth.
“The first thing we had to do was find out what the problems were and find out who the problem people are and take action on that,” said District 4 Coun. Steve Gillespie.
“Step two is getting the community more involved in being part
of the solution and then step three is finding out what these kids want and need in the community, then getting those things in the community as soon as possible.”
The first meeting for the Neighbourhood Watch — to explain what it is, how it will work and recruit volunteers — isn’t until Oct. 24. However, Gillespie has already
started meeting with community organizations to get more activities for youth in the area.
“Whether that’s a youth centre or a boys and girls club or programs and services offered at halls or recreation centres, the CBRM Recreations Department, concerned citizens, as well as the Sydney–Riverview Y’s Mens Club are
all interested in being a part of it,” he said.
Gillespie stressed they need the “community to buy into” the community watch program if it is going to work.
“It is really important the community buys into this … this is not a ‘someone else will take care of this’ thing. This is time for everybody to
step up. And the more people involved the better it’s going to be for all of us,” he said.
For the Gallops, it is still one day at a time and they have no idea when they will be able to return to the studio. Classes are currently being held at Robin Foote Elementary and the Westmount Fire Hall.
Because of the oil spill, soil samples were taken and tests have come back positive for contained environmental damage. This means oil was found in the ground under the foundation of the building, but only there. There is no possibility it will spread to other properties.
The Gallops are getting quotes from remediation companies for cleanup and then will meet with their insurance company.
“We used to live in Westmount 35-36 years ago and there was none of this stuff. And now it’s just beyond,” Susan said.
“It’s terrible. They need help. The police, I know they were watching the place but they can’t be everywhere at once, right? To have a neighbourhood watch there would be great.”