Williams Lake Tribune, July 18, 2013

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THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Proudly serving Williams Lake and the Cariboo-Chilcotin since 1930

Bella Bella fire arson teens arrested

VOL. 83. No. 58

$1.30 inc. Tax

YOGA IN THE LAKECITY SUN

The Bella Bella RCMP confirm that the July 12 structure fire at the local Band Store business building occurred as a result of a fire being human set. Three young girls ages 13, 15 and 16, all from the community were arrested within hours of the initial fire and police response, shortly after the incident. RCMP and fire investigators will forward a report of their findings to the Crown for their review, in order to determine whether charges against the girls are appropriate.

Monica Lamb-Yorski photo

Inside the Tribune NEWS Police oversight discussed.

Arlis Tippie (right) has been offering free nightly fitness classes on the grounds at Marie Sharpe School. On Monday he held a yoga class. Originally from Bella Coola, Tippie is working in Williams Lake and said the hour-long classes start at 6:30 p.m.

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SPORTS A9 Cowgirls open for Musical Ride. COMMUNITY A visit to Arts on the Fly.

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Weather outlook: Sunny through until Sunday with highs to 29C.

PM 0040785583

CRD will present at panel hearings Monica Lamb-Yorski Tribune Staff Writer Cariboo Regional District chair Al Richmond said when he makes a presentation on behalf of the board for the New Prosperity environmental review hearings he’ll talk about the economic value the project would bring the Cariboo Chilcotin, but he will also be very firm that environmental standards cannot be compromised. “We’re not going to say that it should be approved at all costs, I don’t think anyone would,” Richmond said. “We also want to find some solutions to work with the communities that are directly impacted and find solutions for the concerns they’ve expressed.” At its regular board meeting Friday, July 12, the CRD board passed a motion to make a presentation to the environmental review panel. Various directors spoke for or against the board making a pre-

sentation. Area E director Byron Kemp argued in favour, saying it’s an important project for the region. “The way things are deteriorating right now within our areas as far as economics go, and I know having lived out in that area, and listening to presentations we have had on the project, that it would be very much in order for us to bring a presentation forward,” he said. Area J Director Xeni Gwet’in Chief Roger William said he would prefer that the CRD board remain neutral. “I don’t think anyone here has a feel for what their constituents think about this,” William said. “I’ve been involved with this mine since the 1990s. When we went to the panel hearings in 2010 we heard there were a lot of people against the project and since then there have been a lot of concerns.” Area F director Joan Sorley said she hoped the board would

remain neutral. “If we are not going to support our First Nations constituents who are opposed to this project, I think at least we should remain neutral,” Sorley said. “In the communities that I represent we know first hand what happens when other interests try to come in and impose their objectives on the community.” Director Bischoff agreed the board should remain neutral and said the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency should be left to do its job. Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook said in some of her conversations, chiefs and community members have told her they understand the city’s position in supporting the project as long as it meets the environmental approval. “New Prosperity could have a huge economic impact for the city and the region. I think we would be remiss not to provide some type of submission, but the

challenge is in the wording of the submission,” Cook said. “What I don’t want to see happen is to take away from any of the good work that has happened to move forward with relationships with First Nations.” Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom said making a presentation is not taking a stand. “I think we’re showing leadership by saying we know we have economic difficulties,” Sjostrom said. “We’re doing a presentation on behalf of the City of Quesnel and we’re not going in there to say we are adamantly supporting this. We will be saying we support the process and I don’t think by staying silent we would be sending the right message.” Area L director John Rattray said the board needs to be “very” careful not to send the wrong message. See REGION Page A4


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Williams Lake Tribune, July 18, 2013 by Black Press Media Group - Issuu