legebokoff appeals PAGE A3
qdhpca celebrates 30 years PAGE A17
Friday, June 19 , 2015
VOL. 101 NO. 83
www.quesnelobserver.com
Track and field action PAGE A21
PM 40005365
UK company responds to local land sale concerns AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
The company purchasing Cariboo farmland for carbon credits has stated it’s pausing land purchases while conducting an internal review. In May, the B.C. government spoke to farmland being purchased by foreign companies in exchange for carbon credits, noting a far greater hectare amount than originally thought. Initially government acknowledged 1,500 hectares of agriculture land reserve were being breached, then upon the opposition’s request, an additional 8,000
hectares was discovered. Upon hearing the concerns of Cariboo residents NDP agriculture critic Lana Popham held an open house in the Gold Pan City to further gather information. “The main thing we’re hearing from farmers is this legislation is essentially stealing food security,” she told the Observer in May. Popham also spoke to the manner in which the trees are planted, noting the close proximity, the lack of after-care and the method of leaving large divots in the soil, creating a hazard for farm animals and wildlife. The agriculture critic also noted the use of pesticides, water consumption and the
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100-year land covenant. Now, due to the combined efforts of Popham, community leaders and residents, the United Kingdom company, Reckitt Benckiser Inc, has stated, they’re looking to work with the communities or cease operations. “This is great news,” Coun. Scott Elliott said, noting he initially became involved after local farmers began calling him with growing concerns. “If a company wants to help reforest, there’s other ways to go about it – without buying our farmland. “This is about our food security, our land security, our water security.”
Vehicle debris found on Quesnel River bank June 14, at 10:53 a.m. the Quesnel RCMP received a complaint of a possible motor vehicle incident on Baston Road where it crosses the Quesnel river. An individual was out walking and noted tire marks that appeared to have left the roadway and minor vehicle debris in the bushes leading down to the river. Police were advised that this individual walks the same route every day and stated that the tracks and debris were not there the day before. Police attended the scene and a primary search of the area resulted in locating a BC licence plate. Attempts to contact the registered owner of the licence plate have been unsuccessful to date
but are continuing. At this time the search of the area has expanded to include an aerial scan of the river. At this time the RCMP are not able to confirm if a vehicle or any persons entered the river and the Underwater Recovery Team (URT) has been called in to assist. The RCMP is requesting that if anyone may have been in the area the morning of June 14 to call the Quesnel RCMP at 250-992-9211. As it is still early in this investigation, no other information will be released.
Thief arrested A 31-year-old man is in police custody after an 82-yearold woman was robbed of money from her wallet in the
parking lot of a business on Reid Street. Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, the victim was in the parking lot of the business attempting to find change for a shopping cart. The suspect approached her, asked if she needed help, and offered to find some change for her. When the victim opened her wallet the suspect pushed her and grabbed some money from her wallet. Thanks to the quick responses by bystanders and statements provided by witnesses the suspect was located shortly thereafter by police and arrested. Charges of robbery and breach of probation have been forwarded to Crown Counsel.
Spring wildflower One of the Cariboo’s early wildflowers, the columbine, dots the landscape with many beautiful shades of colour, stretching it’s face to the sun.
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber Jim Gilbert! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
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Karen Powell photo
Tell your Father how much he means to you Happy Father’s Day Sunday, June 21