Thursday, September 18, 2014
www.northislandgazette.com 5
No charges in Multiple charges laid in raid Alice deaths
Gazette staff PORT ALICE—Local RCMP have closed their investigating the deaths of an adult male and an adult female discovered at a home Tuesday morning in Port Alice. “There won’t be anything criminal coming out of this,” said Cpl. Darren Lagan of the Island District RCMP. “Any further information will be coming from the coroner’s service.” The deaths were reported to police at around 9:45 a.m. Sept. 9, and the pair were located in the residence, deceased. The iden-
tities of the deceased have not yet been released; that notification is expected from the B.C. Coroner’s Service. Preliminary information suggested that there was no risk to community safety as a result of this incident, the RCMP reported last week. Based on preliminary evidence, investigators were not searching for any suspects in relation to these deaths. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) was initially called in to assist Port Alice RCMP in the investigation.
from page 1 identifying, arresting and charging suspected drug traffickers in our communities. If you are involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs, you can expect to see a lot more of us in your future.” As a result of the investigative findings, eight adults are now facing criminal charges, including: • Oliver Walkus, 55, of Port Hardy, is charged with three counts of trafficking cocaine and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine; • Aaron Walkus, 21, of Port Hardy, is charged with one count of trafficking cocaine;
“If you are involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs, you can expect to see a lot more of us in your future.”
S/Sgt. Gord Brownridge
• Riaz Kulvi, 32, of Port Hardy, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of morphine for the purpose of trafficking; • Ryan Daley, 31, of Port Hardy, is charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine;
• Eric Menard, 48, of Port Hardy, is charged with three counts of trafficking cannabis marijuana and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking cannabis marijuana; • Leanne Kiiskila, 48, of Port Hardy, is charged with two counts of trafficking morphine; and, • Jamie King, 33, of Port
Hardy, is charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine. The above suspects were released by a Judicial Justice of the Peace. Also facing charges is Dennis Richards, 53, of Port McNeill, charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking marijuana, and one count of unsafe storage of a firearm. A 55-year-old Port Hardy man was also arrested during the operation. As he has yet to be formally charged, his identity cannot be released. All accused are set to make future appearances in B.C. Provincial Court.
Waterfront access raises questions Gazette staff PORT HARDY— Waterfront access was scrutinized at last week’s Council meeting when Peter Caton appeared as a delegate to request support. Caton gathered 84 signatures to a petition protesting the erection of a fence and gate beside the new Coast Guard building, blocking access to a seafront walkway. “The walkway has been used for generations of Port Hardy residents and we should not be deprived of it,” reads the petition. “Canadians own it. The gate and fence is only four feet high and therefore not a hindrance to potential miscreants. It only prevents honest citizens from enjoying a walkway that we’ve been using happily for many years.” The signatures were gathered over a threeday period within 300 paces of the gate, said Caton. “I used (the walkway) every day to go to the post office, and I’m not alone,” he told councillors. “All I want you to do is to write a letter to the Coast Guard.” Coun. John Tidbury told Caton that the council was aware of the issue and that staff had been in communication with the Coast Guard. Director of Corporate & Development
Services Jeff Long clarified that during the planning process for the new building staff had requested access be left to the walkway, and confirmed that they were in discussion with the Coast Guard concerning the removal of the gate. “We’ll wait to hear back from them in a more firm manner and report back to council in the coming weeks,” said Long. Fireworks Robert Johnsen requested District support for the annual Hallowe’en fireworks show at Storey’s Beach, asking for the use of the ball field and barricades along with
help towards clean up and insurance. Long explained that, “Staff, as part of the request, looked into both the insurance as well as the credentials that are required to be able to let these kind of fireworks off in a public event. In doing so staff consulted with the Municipal Insurance Association of B.C. who advised us that, unfortunately, this event wouldn’t be covered from a liability insurance perspective and that we’d be required to obtain private insurance.” He explained that, further, the event would be required to take place under the direction of a fireworks
Council Meeting Port Hardy supervisor, but he had discussed this with Johnsen and a potential solution on that basis was found. “This is a really good event that’s enjoyed by a lot of people,” said Coun. Janet Dorward. “I do share the concerns of putting the District of Port Hardy at risk but I think, with suitable insurance it could go ahead.” On the purchase of
the insurance, councillors were reluctant to be on the hook for the bill, having donated $1,000 previously for the purchase of fireworks. After discussion, council agreed to an amended motion, granting leave for the event but requiring suitable insurance and licensing to be put in place. Aquaculture Council approved a request from the BC Salmon Farmers Association, sponsored by Deputy Mayor Debbie Huddlestan, to
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organization when the proclamation is more generally about aquaculture,” she said. Council agreed, passing the motion to amend the proclamation and adopt it. Next meeting There will be no regular council meeting next week due to councillors attending the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Whistler. The next regular meeting will take place October 14 at the Municipal Hall.
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proclaim September 21-27 as Aquaculture Week. The proclamation did not pass in its entirety, with Coun. Jessie Hemphill proposing that one of its clauses — Whereas; The BC Salmon Farmers Association has made educating the public about its industry’s operations and opportunities a key priority — be struck from the proclamation. “I don’t think it’s relevant in a District proclamation to specifically mention one
Jaylon Grenier
Jaylon joined the Hardy Buoys team in the Spring of 2014. A friend already working at HBSF suggested he apply because of the great working environment and since Jaylon loves to fish, he figured Hardy Buoys would be the perfect summer job. Starting work at the beginning of the busy summer season can be a little overwhelming for a first job. Jaylon fit in right away. Jaylon spent his first summer learning many tasks. Washing totes, vacuum sealing and trimming fish, racking up brined fish for smoking, loading & unloading freezing racks, and performing end of day clean up to name a few. Jaylon is a fast learner, has an excellent work ethic and his ability to be flexible and go where ever he is needed most has recognized him to be a real team player. 15 years old, Jaylon has lived in Port Hardy his whole life. Jaylon’s work ethic transcends into school, where he is a straight “A” student. When not busy studying he enjoys soccer, fly fishing and triathlons. His future goals are to be part of a professional soccer team and attend a good Post Secondary school. Hardy Buoys is very happy that Jaylon chose us for his first summer job. Jaylon is an AMAZING addition to our crew and we look forward to watching him grow with us for many summers to come.
9300 Trustee Road, (In The North Island Mall) Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0