Canadian Tire will supply the paint, alone or in partnership with other donors, to restore Masich Place Stadium.
Local Canadian Tire owner Selen Alpay contacted The Citizen to extend the offer through to the City of Prince George. He was moved by the massive graffiti incident at the stadium that has been the subject of much public discourse since it was uncovered on March 6 by the facility's namesake Tom Masich.
There was outrage from the local football, track and field, and other user group interests, as well as by the general public, over the expensive defacing of the public sports facility. The police were pursuing the culprits and the municipality had to consider how to fix the damage.
"Whenever the weather becomes appropriate, I would be happy to supply the paint," Alpay said. "I was so PO'd when I heard about this happening, and it isn't the first time. Taking care of the paint was just the right thing to do."
The Kelly Road secondary school football team was first off the mark to offer their services as volunteer painters. The Duchess Park secondary school football team followed suit. That made the labour force significant, but the costly paint supply was still before them.
Not anymore.
"The city would have to co-ordinate this, but all they have to do is let me know when and how much, and the paint is there," said Alpay.
He was unconcerned that a week later someone else might vandalize the place again. He said on the contrary, with so much youth labour and commitment to the stadium, it might cause those few bad apples to reconsider wrecking the new paint.
"And you really have to assume the best of people first," Alpay said. "Those two football teams stepping forward like that, and all the others that I think will join in, that is what Prince George is all about, not a few jerks with spray paint."
Police have confirmed that they have identified at least some of those involved in the vandalism, but the investigation is still underway.
