NANAIMO REGION
Numbers stay strong for city tourism sector “It’s a perfect storm in our favour,” says Dan Brady, on the tourism committee of the NEDC. Page 3
NATION & WORLD
Clippers return
Some bail conditions for Khadr are relaxed
Nanaimo team plays first game of 2015-16 BCHL season on tonight in Powell River
Curfew is eased so he can attend the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. Page 5
Sports, Page 6
The newspaper of record for Nanaimo and region since 1874 || Saturday, September 12, 2015 COLLIERY DAMS
Lower dam work to start Monday Construction expected to cost between $2.8M and $4.6M, but contract was awarded as cost-plus SPENCER ANDERSON DAILY NEWS
Work on a new spillway at the lower dam in Colliery Dams Park begins Monday, with some parts of the surrounding park slated to be closed throughout construction. Council voted at a special meeting last week to award a contract to Copcan Civil Ltd. to construct the auxiliary spillway, after threats of enforcement action
from the provincial Comptroller of Water Rights. The work will bring the lower dam into line with provincial safety regulations, but the issue has stoked deep divisions on city council and resentment from some park users. The construction is expected to cost between $2.8 million and $4.6 million, but the contract has been awarded as cost-plus, meaning that there is no set
dollar amount awarded to the contractor. That’s due to delays in design work on the project, which has not yet been completed. The project has been a political wedge amongst city legislators for months, ending finally last week with a 5-3 vote to award the contract. With that step complete, work will begin to clear the site of the new spillway, which will be locat-
ed a few metres away from the main spillway on the dam. Tree removal to make way for the dam will begin Tuesday, while construction set-up area will be located off of 7th Street. An alternate public access route into the park will also be set up off of 7th Street. The city also says that when construction begins, signage at the park will indicate when the trail network around the lower
dam is closed. An alternate route near the middle Colliery dam will be set up and crews with flags will be in the park to direct people away from the construction zone. Protesters have indicated they will be present at the site as construction begins. Spencer.Anderson @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4255
» Health
Pot stores call warning letters ‘election ploy’
ROBERT BARRON DAILY NEWS
O
perators of a number of medicinal marijuana dispensaries in Nanaimo think that the federal government is playing politics with the industry. Robert Clarke, who operates five Limelife medical cannabis dispensaries, said the decision by Health Canada to send out cease-and-desist letters to a number of medicinal marijuana dispensaries across the country is a blatant effort by the ruling Conservatives to garner votes for the upcoming federal election. Clarke said he believes the move is an “election ploy” by Stephen Harper to try to get “old-timers” to vote for the government as the prime minister realizes his chances of winning re-election are growing increasingly slim. Anita Roy, the assistant manager at Trees Dispensary on Bowen Road, said she also thinks the cease-and-desist letters are part of the Conservative’s election strategy to “get tough” on the country’s growing medicinal marijuana industry. “We’re hoping for a new government that is not Conservative, but even if Harper is re-elected, he can’t continue to go against the tide on this issue,” Roy said. “Sooner or later, this prohibition will end no matter which party forms the government in Canada.” Health Canada has sent out the cease-and-desist letters to 13 marijuana dispensaries and compassion clubs across the country, warning the RCMP could raid them if they do not shut down
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“Sooner or later, this prohibition will end no matter which party forms the government in Canada.” Anita Roy, Trees Dispensary
immediately, even those in cities where local police have mostly tolerated them. The department is demanding the dispensaries stop “all activities with controlled substances” immediately and submit a written statement confirming this action by Sept. 21. The threat is the first indication that Ottawa is prepared to intervene directly to shut down Canada’s storefront dispensaries. “The sale and advertising of marijuana is illegal,” the letter says. “You are encouraging Canadians to engage in conduct that could also expose them to criminal liability.” Roy said the Trees Dispensary wants the industry to be properly regulated and would welcome rules to govern it by Health Canada and other authorities. “We want to be able to guarantee the quality and safety of our products for our customers.” Robert.Barron @nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4234 » We want to hear from you. Send comments on this story to yourletters@nanaimodailynews.com. Letters must include daytime phone number and hometown.
Samantha Zroback, assistant manager of Trees Dispensary in Nanaimo, showcases some of the store’s products Friday. [ROBERT BARRON/DAILY NEWS]
Cedar students asked about return to CSS
Victoria man accused of luring teens online
Some of the Cedar students may choose to stay in the schools where they currently are next year, to be close to friends, or for other reasons. » Nanaimo Region, Page 3
Investigators confirm five female victims, ranging from 12 to 17 years of age. None were physically harmed. A 28-year-old Victoria man is now in custody. » Nation & World, Page 5
Local news ............................. 3 Markets .................................. 2 Nation & World ................... 5
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