RCMP prioritize investigation after plaques stolen from First World War internment memorial in Banff National Park

RCMP in Lake Louise say the theft of two plaques from a First World War internment memorial in Banff National Park is being treated as a priority investigation.

According to an RCMP news release, the plaques were removed from the Castle Mountain Internment Camp memorial, which commemorates people detained in Canada during the First World War. Police also reported vandalism to a statue located at the site.

The memorial includes historical information about the Castle Mountain camp and a statue of a Ukrainian immigrant bearing the word “Why?” at its base. The site serves as a place of remembrance and education about Canada's wartime internment operations.

During the First World War, the federal government classified approximately 80,000 people as enemy aliens. While many were required to regularly report to authorities, nearly 8,600 people were interned at 24 camps across Canada, including four in the Canadian Rockies. The majority of those interned were of Ukrainian descent.

“The Lake Louise RCMP recognizes the importance of protecting places of historical and cultural significance and is treating the investigation as a priority,” Sgt. Susan Richter, detachment commander for the Lake Louise RCMP, said in the release.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near the memorial or who may have information about the missing plaques to contact investigators. Authorities are also seeking information from visitors who recently saw the plaques in place and can provide dates to help establish a timeline.