Community near Ottawa wishing for return of missing vintage sled

Starting December 1st through the Christmas season, Santa's sleigh is supposed to be on display right here in Rotary Park in Kempsville, but St. Nick's ride suddenly disappeared earlier this spring, leaving the community wondering what happened to the beloved sled. I just say shame on you. You really disrupted a really good start of a good tradition here in town. Roger Stark is a project lead with the North Grenville Men's Shed. His group of retirees poured countless hours into the more than 110-year-old sleigh. Ontario Provincial Police say the sled went missing sometime between May 21st and June 21st this year, but city officials say there's still no lead as to its current whereabouts. We have put in anywhere between 130 and 150 hours into the sled. And we set it out here in Rotary Park, and it was well received. The Men's Shed delivered the sleigh at the request of the downtown Kentville BIA last year to be part of its old-time Christmas event. At the end of the day... I just want our sled home. I'm not pointing any fingers anymore. If I could just get my Christmas miracle and restore the sled to North Grenville, I really feel like I'd be off the naughty list because currently I feel like I'm on there permanently until I can get our sled back. North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford says the sleigh was such a wonderful addition to the downtown that if thieves want to return it, she says it'll be no questions asked. We understand that sometimes there's a lapse in judgment and we have a feeling the sleigh is still kind of nearby. So if that's the case, we really would embrace the opportunity to see it back in this park in time for our holiday celebrations. While Stark says he's disappointed with the actions taken by the proverbial Grinches who stole the sleigh, it's not stopping them from finding a replacement. That won't happen this year, but it will happen probably within the next year. The OPP is asking anyone with information about the sled's whereabouts to come forward. And no fear, Christmas in Kentville is not cancelled. Mayor Peckford says the old-time Christmas event will continue with or without Santa's sleigh. Cameron Mahler, CBC News, Kentville.