More than two years after the Fernie Aquatic Centre was forced to close due to serious vandalism, the Elk Valley RCMP have announced the successful conclusion of an extensive investigation. A 22-year-old Revelstoke man, Aden Shatalow-Dominick, has been found guilty of mischief and ordered to pay $22,837 in restitution to the City of Fernie.
The incident occurred on October 29, 2022, when RCMP were called to the Aquatic Centre on Pine Avenue at approximately 7:31 a.m. after staff discovered broken glass and rocks scattered across the pool deck and in the water, rendering the facility unusable. The damage not only halted daily access for local swimmers, but also forced the cancellation of a much-anticipated swim meet that weekend.
What initially appeared to be a prank turned out to be more serious. Investigating officers found two broken windows on the building’s upper level and forensic evidence, including blood on the window frames. The pool had to be drained, cleaned, and refilled, with total damages estimated at over $30,000.
Over the course of the following year, RCMP gathered tips from the public, secured a warrant for hospital records, and collaborated with the ICBC Special Investigations Unit, discovering that the suspect had sought treatment for injuries that matched the type and location consistent with the broken windows at the Aquatic Centre. The suspect had initially claimed the injuries were due to a vehicle accident that was later determined to be fabricated.
By August 2023, a DNA profile was successfully developed from the scene. With the assistance of Revelstoke RCMP, a sample was obtained from the suspect and later confirmed to match the forensic evidence. Charges were approved in May 2024, and in March 2025, Shatalow-Dominick was found guilty of one count of mischief in Fernie Provincial Court. He received a suspended sentence and 24 months’ probation, with the court ordering full restitution to the City of Fernie.
Mayor Nic Milligan acknowledged the outcome, stating he appreciated “the diligence shown by the officers throughout the investigation.”
S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Detachment Commander of the Elk Valley Regional RCMP, praised the collaborative effort that led to the conviction.
“Sometimes, the public is not fully aware of the time and effort that these files take while completing the investigation, going through the court process, and achieving resolution,” said Nielsen. “The Elk Valley Regional RCMP would like to thank the City of Fernie, the public at large, witnesses, and our other RCMP partners that assisted the Elk Valley RCMP with obtaining a successful result to this investigation.”
