EAGLE VALLEY
NEWS
Sculptors create magic from ice and snow Page 5
Sicamous Eagle Darien Head gets real on TV Page 8
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 PM40008236
Vol. 59 No. 8 Sicamous, B.C., • 1.25 (GST included) • www.eaglevalleynews.com
Council sticks to policy for public events
Non-profits: In-kind help available with six weeks advanced notice. By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
District council opted to keep things status quo with regard to the requirements of any person or group wishing to use municipal property for any kind of event. Following a recommendation by staff, Sicamous council, at its Feb. 12 regular meeting, agreed the district should continue to “enforce its policy requesting groups to get liability insurance and to obtain a special event facilities use permit.” Anyone wishing in-kind assistance from public works for an event on municipal property must submit their request in writing to council at least six weeks prior to the event. This re-affirmation of existing policy stems from a direction to staff, made by Couns. Suzanne Carpenter and Joan Thomson at the Jan. 22 committee of the whole meeting, to draft a policy enabling As far as the the district to better asdistrict paying sist community groups with various events. your insurance… the group would Carpenter explained non-profit groups were have to come unhappy with the dis- before council and trict charging for labour ask the district… that in the past was ofHeidi Frank fered in-kind. District CAO Coun. Fred Busch said he agreed that liability insurance is necessary, but had trouble understanding the six-week requirement. District operations manager Randy Hand said this had to do with the four weeks it can take to process a special events facilities use permit. Mayor Darrell Trouton asked if the processing time could be reduced from four to two weeks, to which district administrator Heidi Frank replied that permits can go back and forth between applicant and district numerous times before approval, pointing to the burnout event as an example. “There were so many things that had to fall into See Residents challenge on page 2
Investigation scene: The Malakwa residence pictured above was the scene of a violent altercation on the evening of Feb. 12 between the residents and three armed men who attempted to enter the home. Police continue to investigate the incident, and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects. Photo by Victoria Rowbottom
Malakwa man shot in home invasion Violent exchange: Victim says he stabbed suspect during struggle. By Lachlan Labere Eagle Valley News
A Malakwa resident was taken to hospital after being shot in the shoulder during a home invasion. RCMP spokesperson, Const. Leslie Smith says police continue to investigate what they’re calling a targeted home invasion at a Malakwa residence on Feb. 12. Smith says the incident was reported to police at approximately 5 p.m. Officers were told three men had entered the residence armed with weapons and a struggle ensued between the suspects and the male homeowner. Sicamous RCMP Sgt.
Dave Dubnyk “It is extremely said the victim fortunate that no told police he one else was instabbed one of jured or killed in the suspects bethis violent home fore being shot invasion,” said in the shoulder Dubnyk. “The during the alSgt. Dave Dubnyk family is co-opertercation. The ating with police Sicamous RCMP victim also says and investigators one of the susare attempting to pects pointed identify the three a gun at his head, but police male suspects who were not have not been able to confirm known to the family.” this or the stabbing. The victim was transportAll three suspects then fled ed by helicopter to hospital the area before police arrived. for treatment of the non-lifeThree children and an adult threatening injury. Dubnyk female were also inside the says he’s expected to make a residence at the time of the full recovery. incident and witnessed the alOfficers from the Kamtercation. loops RCMP’s Major Crime
Unit, along with members of the Regional General Investigation Unit, were part of the investigation to determine the motivation behind the home invasion. Dubnyk says investigators are considering the possibility it was a case of mistaken identity, noting there are several medical marijuana grows in the area. He added nothing has been found on the property to indicate any illegal activity taking place. Police are asking anyone who might have any information that could assist with this investigation to contact the Sicamous RCMP detachment at 250-836-2878, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.