SOOKE
NEWS MIRROR
2010 WINNER
FOLK CLASSIC
SKATE COMP Editorial
Paul Mowbray performs at coffee house concert . Page 15
Page 8
Entertainment
Page 15
Students from Journey will compete in season closer.
Sports/stats
Page 27
Page 27
Agreement #40110541
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Your community, your classifieds P24 • 75¢
Possible witness to sexual assault sought by police Sharron Ho Sooke News Mirror
Pirjo Raits photo
Edward Milne community school graduation class of 2012.
Neighbours drop bomb on blasting Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
A public hearing held for the Spiritwood Estates Development and 2150 and 7000 Melrick Place brought out a number of residents who are opposed to the blasting that will occur once building starts. A bylaw zoning amendment was before council which would see two lots on Melrick Place remain seperate from the Spiritwood development but still connected. Spiritwood, a phased development, would contain close to 440 units with the Melrick lots adding another 44 units. The bylaw amendments would not change the density or the use, but the
neighbours had questions and concerns. Concerns expressed included loss of enjoyment and quality of life due to continuous blasting on the building site. A Brailsford Place resident said, “you can’t drop an atomic bomb every time you want to blast.” Neighbours stated that their homes were covered in dust and dirt from the blasting and all summer long they had to put up with the noise from blasting. Linda White, a Melrick Road resident, said her whole house vibrated when the blasting was taking place. “If this was your home, how would you feel?” she asked council.
Ed Berlando, a resident on Allwood Terrace said the blasting was “irresponsible,” and that water courses had changed throughout the area. “We need to know someone is going to talk to us,” he said. The extraction of gravel in the Spiritwood development also drew comments. Many felt that truck loads of rock would be a safety issue, especially if the trucks used Brailsford Place. One neighbour was concerned about the loss of trees and wildlife. Traffic along Grant Road and potentially through Brailsford drew the ire of many who lived in the area. Ken Greenwood who lives on Maple Park Terrace said, “traffic is going to be crazy.” It was noted that Grant
Road was already failing. Councillor Herb Haldance suggested some sort of contract which would benefit both parties. David Clark, who owns the Melrick Road property said of the blasting, “everyone likes it when they are building their own houses.” He said neighbours didn’t want them to do what’s been done in the past. He also stated that there would be four roads coming off the combined subdivision. Ellen Lewers, said the district should be enhancing the environment not destroying it. “I hope we can obtain some middle ground,” said Mayor Wendal Milne. The bylaws will be back before council.
Police are seeking a witness who may have information regarding the sexual assault case that occurred in Art Morris Park on May 31. The potential witness is a man, who was seen playing with his dog in an adjacent ball field around the same time of the assault, which occurred between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. He was wearing a black hoodie or sweat shirt and drove a grey or white fullsized, long box pickup truck. His dog was described as a black Labrador cross. “He may have seen somebody or something that may help us in the investigation and give us more information to move forward with,” said Cpl. Darren Lagan. “I stress this is a witness, not anybody who we believe was involved.” The victim, an 18-year-old Sooke woman, noticed the man and his dog as she was walking on a path between the ball diamonds and tennis courts. She was then attacked and sexually assaulted by an unknown man behind the band stand and bleachers. Shortly after the attack started, the victim heard the potential witness’ vehicle start up and leave. The victim managed to escape and call police, who
Cabin on 5.5 acres! $299,000 Super Location for this 5.5 acres, very cute & tidy 2 story two bedroom home built in 1998. Bright & open floor plan with views to the Straight of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Mountain Range and your own West Coast Rain Forest. Main level with living & dining area + kitchen, laundry & 4 pce bath. Up a spiral staircase is a wonderfull Master Bedroom, 2nd bedroom + bathroom. Very Private and delightful. If you don't mind "small" & are looking for a perfect "cabin in the woods"....this is it! See my website for more info….
Shelly Davis
250.642.6361
www.ShellyDavis.ca
Police sketch
Composite of suspect were unsuccessful in locating the suspect with a police service dog. Lagan said police are concerned due to the rarity of such crimes in Sooke and stranger on stranger nature of the assault. The victim described the suspect as a man older than 30, thin build, dark buzz cut hair, dark moustache, and goatee with some grey hair. He was wearing dark coloured jeans with a belt, and a light coloured stained t-shirt. His breath also carried the distinct smell of beer. Women are advised to travel in groups and lit areas or to drive. The Westshore RCMP Major Crime Unit and Island District General Investigation Section are currently assisting Sooke RCMP. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800TIPS (8477).