The signage of one of Coquitlam's artistic institutions - Evergreen Cultural Centre - was defaced two weeks ago in a pointless act of destruction, says its executive director.
Large, bubble-shaped letters were painted over the centre's iconic logo on the corner of the building at Glen Drive and Pinetree Way over the Jan. 25 weekend.
"Defacing the Evergreen Cultural name is quite surprising," said Jon-Paul Walden, who said some tagging is not unusual but such destruction is rare for the cultural centre responsible for hosting public art, music and theatrical programs in the city.
"It's a real unfortunate statement for a non-profit. I don't see the point."
Normally, the graffiti would have been cleaned up by now but the paint-removing chemicals don't work well in the cold. Walden said he has been advised by the city's graffiti-removal contractor that the paint can be cleaned up without destroying the original painted logo but the work can't take place until the weather warms.
A complaint has also been made to the Coquitlam RCMP, whose headquarters are located kitty corner to the cultural centre.
Meanwhile, Evergreen is also dealing with construction of the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station on the Evergreen Line, and patrons are slowly coming to accept the inconvenience of lost parking, sidewalk detours and obscured signage.
"There has been some disgruntlement to start but [the patrons] are getting over that hump," Walden said.
