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Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Lone wolf spotted near Bamberton
CVRD’s Jones gets $335,000 handshake
Curious behaviour: Conservation officers want you to report other sightings
Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
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$335,000 severance package has been paid to Warren Jones, Cowichan region’s former chief administrative officer, the News Leader Pictorial has learned. Jones’ $335,000 severance package represents payment for 18 months’ salary and benefits, in accordance with terms of his employment contract written some seven years ago, Cowichan Valley Regional District chairman Rob Hutchins notes. Jones made about $200,000 a year. Those terms “were intended to replicate what someone in his position would earn at common law in the event of a termination without notice.” This is often done, he explains, for senior-level positions so both parties can avoid litigation costs to reach terms. While Hutchins revealed Jones’ severance amount, he maintained reasons for Jones’ sudden departure Feb. 13 are private. So are totals of any publicly paid legals bills regarding Jones terms of leaving reached between CVRD brass and its ex-CAO, Hutchins says in Monday’s email to the Leader. “Employment matters between the CVRD and its employees are treated as confidential personnel matters,” Hutchins writes. “Other than information that must be disclosed to government authorities or our unions, we do not generally disclose employment information of current or former employees unless required by legislation. “With respect to your request for the legal bills, I am unable to provide any information ... on the basis that our invoices are protected by solicitor-client privilege.”
Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
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ave you seen a wolf in the south Cowichan area? If so, conservation officers want to know when and where. The caution came after folks walking dogs on Wednesday and Thursday said a wolf approached them in Island Timberland’s old Bamberton haul road area, running beside the Trans-Canada Highway, the conservation staff has confirmed. “There’s not an immediate safety concern, but the conservation service is monitoring VI Wilds behaviour for A Vancouver Island wolf lopes along the beach appropriate at Clayoquot Sound. response.” Officers first received reports Tuesday of a wolf — perhaps seeking a mate — showing curious behaviour toward a dog being walked, staff said Friday. “On Wednesday and Thursday the wolf followed dog walkers on the Old Haul Road.” Staff advises people to keep dogs on a leash, and not approach the wolf. “Wolves are native to this area, but not commonly seen. It’s wolf-mating season, therefore the lone wolf may be looking for a mate.” National Geographic’s website says wolves are the largest members of the dog family. They can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, “Adaptable gray wolves are by far the most common but there are plenty ofThey reasons the tall CR-V, Civic in a single bound, can’t leap buildings and were once found all over the northern hemi† there are plenty of reasons the CR-V, Civic in BC. and Fit are best-sellersbut and Fit are best-sellers in BC. sphere. 20142014 CR-V LXLX CR-V # S ECL LOI#MNPGASCETCL LOINM PGA CLease “But wolves and humans have a long adversarial T for Lease for BC BC history. Though they almost never attack humans, 1.99 1.99 S U V I N S U V IN $ $ $ $0 downwolves are considered one of the animal world’s most 0 down fearsome natural villains,” the magazine states. freight and PDI included. freight and PDI included. “They do attack domestic animals, and countless For 60 months. MSRP $27,685 includes freight and PDI wolves have been shot, trapped, and poisoned because Model shown: RM3H3EES of this tendency.” Dog owners are advised to leash pets, be vigilant Andrew Leong Shirley Walker and Val Grainger look over a potted hazelnut tree from Perennial Ridge Farms during the 14th-annual Cobble Hill in wooded areas, and call 1-877-952-7277 if a wolf is spotted. Seedy Saturday at Cobble Hill Hall on March 8.
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