Vanderhoof RCMP have opened a criminal investigation into the flooding that has shut down the community's aquatic centre just before Christmas.
The cause was originally thought to have been the deep freeze that struck the Central Interior at the time, but in a statement issued Monday, RCMP said evidence has been uncovered that suggests the incident was "intentionally caused."
"We are actively investigating the act of mischief," Vanderhoof RCMP Steven McLean said.
In the pool's mechanical heating and filtration systems suffered roughly $500,000 damage when 130,000 gallons of water flooded the pool's maintenance room on December 23, RCMP said.
Meanwhile, in a January 11 posting on its website, YMCA of Northern B.C. said the timeline for reopening the facility is eight weeks.
"During this closure, the required annual pool maintenance will also be completed to avoid a service interruption in September. More details regarding the re-opening plan, such as the exact date and information on swimming lessons, will be shared as they are finalized in the coming weeks," YMCA-NBC added in the posting.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222.
Tips can also be left anonymously at Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca (English only).
You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
