Courtesy Town of Riverview

Rather than expanding its riverfront holiday lights display, Riverview Town Council has decided to maintain it and repair the damage caused by recent vandalism.

Council agreed to spend about $60,000 to make repairs at this week’s meeting.

Vandals have been targeting copper wire in the lights display and caused significant damage in January and in June.

The repairs will include replacing copper wire with aluminium wire which is less valuable.

Councillor Sarah Murphy said she’s happy the lights display will continue but the town has to be fiscally responsible.

“It is disappointing to see that it won’t be expanded to east Riverview but hopefully this will protect the longevity of our investment and continue with that plan in the future.”

Councillor Jeremy Thorne said whoever is responsible for the vandalism should be ashamed of themselves.

“They’re taking Christmas away from kids and especially in Ward One. I know that we’ve wanted to expand down there for a while now. They’re stealing from their neighbours.”

The tentative dates for this year’s Light Up Riverview program are November 24 to January 8.