ENVIRONMENT: COs seek help in finding moose chaser A3 Friday, March 23, 2012 Future cancer centre strategies are unveiled A5
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www.pgfreepress.com ■ NATASHA MONTGOMERY
Smudge ceremony part of healing Family visits house where police believe woman was murdered, issue call for information Natasha Montgomery’s family held a smudge ceremony Monday at the house where they believe the woman was murdered. And they issued a plea for anyone with information about her, or her accused killer Cody Legebokoff, to tell police. Legebokoff was charged with her murder, although her body has not been found. He is also facing murder charges in connection with the deaths of Jill Stuchenko, Loren Leslie, and Cynthia Maas. “Today we came here to pray and smudge the apartment where we lost our beloved Natasha,” the family said in a statement issued through the RCMP. “The loss of Natasha has had a very devastating impact on our family. “It is hard enough to accept the fact she is gone, let alone not having the ability to lay her to rest. We need her back to help in our family’s healing process. “We feel like we are being tormented ... “Her children have been emotionally scarred. “As they grow older they will learn what has really happened to their mother. “It’s hard to answer the questions they ask now, they know their mother has passed and that she is still missing. This is a nightmare our family is reliving on a daily basis.
“We wake up every morning wondering if today is the day she is found … “I urge the public to come forward with any tips they have small or big on Cody’s activities prior to his arrest. No information is too small; it may lead us to Natasha! “Our hearts go out to the Maas family, the Leslie family and the Stuchenko family. “You are not alone in this horrifying journey we have all had to endure! No one deserves this; our loved ones didn’t deserve this!” Legebokoff was arrested on November 27, 2010 after he was pulled over by RCMP officers from Fort St. James and Vanderhoof, which led to the discovery of Leslie’s body. Legebokoff was charged with her murder and, as a result of further investigation, was subsequently charged with three more murders. Police are requesting the public’s assistance in finding Montgomery’s body. “While Cody Legebokoff has been charged and will be tried for the death of Natasha, we still need to know where she is in order to give her family the dignity of a proper burial”, says Const. Lesley Smith, North District RCMP media relations officer in a press release.
Ph o to co ur te s y o f th e R C M P
Family members of Natasha Montgomery gather Monday, at the house where police believe she was murdered, to hold a smudge ceremony. “She was a beautiful, loving and caring person. Her family wants to bring her home. Anyone who
may know where Natasha is needs to contact police”. Police are asking anyone with
any information to call the specially created Tip Line 1-877-9878477 (TIPS).
Two local businesses getting bogged down
Matte family battles city over ditch problem DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
A local developer is ready to take on city hall as well as the Water Management Branch of B.C. Louis Matte of Matte Bros. & Sons Construction Ltd. might be 83 years old but, according to his son, that doesn’t mean he intends to give up fighting a Water Act Order to re-dig what he says is a ditch, but they say is a natural stream. Christopher Matte explained the issue has old roots, dating back to the mid-70s when his dad purchased about a quartersection of land now known as the Hart Industrial lands, next to the Hart Wheel Inn at the corner of Monterey Road and Highway 97 North. Phase one of the project was developed in the early 80s during a time when inter-
est rates were skyrocketing. It was a difficult time for the self-made man, a school teacher with a business acumen that led him into several ventures. From driving cab and selling pots and pans to put himself through university to restauranteur and developer with projects in city areas like Beaverly, Pineview and Miworth, Louis Matte did well. But the Hart Industrial development was no easy task. “It almost sunk him,” Matte said. “He bought out the smaller investors so they wouldn’t go bankrupt.” Other developments to the north added to his problems as city infrastructure expanded and drainage became an issue. In the 70s the Department of Highways put a culvert under 97 North so storm turn to PAGE A6
Eastway Esso mired in access mess
DELYNDA PILON newsroom@pgfreepress.com
A business owner adversely affected by the construction of the Boeing Road project is concerned about the length of time customers have had difficulty accessing his store. Pat and Shemin Patel have owned and operated Eastway Esso for about 11 years. They were aware when they took over the business that it is considered the neighbourhood store by many locals, and has been a cornerstone of area life for decades. Sharon Annis, who is acting as the couple’s spokesperson, has worked at the store for 15 years. During that time she has come to know her customers by their first names, watched their children grow up and even witnessed a marriage
recently when two regulars decided to tie the knot right inside the store. “They started this the end of last May,” she said of the construction. The Patels, she said, had no idea the project would take so long. “It’s been pretty near 12 months now,” Annis pointed out. Annis said she’s not sure if the problem lies with the city or the contractor, but in either case the Patels’ frustration is rising. ‘No through traffic’ signs stopped customers from accessing the store at the Boeing Road/Highway 16 intersection. This meant customers, at least those who knew how to get there, had to access the store by travelling to the next set of lights, turning right on the Old Cariboo Highway then left on the other end of Boeing. turn to PAGE A4