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Addressing the refugee crisis
Locals urged to sponsor refugees, page 3
ELIZABETH MAY
Cats are on the prowl
The Peninsula Panthers are in for a busy weekend on the ice, page 15
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Black Press Wednesday, September 30, 2015 C O M M U N I T Y
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Bear scare for resident Carlie Connolly News staff
Jim Zeeben/News staff
Viking Air employees work on the first of 10 new Twin Otters that are being built for Russian oil company Rosneft.
Russian sales a boon for Viking Despite layoffs earlier this year, Viking Air will maintain production levels Jim Zeeben News staff
Viking Air in North Saanich continues to make inroads into important international markets. Earlier this month, the company announced a deal to sell 10 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft to RN-Aircraft, a subsidiary of Russian oil company Rosneft. The first aircraft will be delivered this November with nine more following through to early 2017.
RN-Aircraft, based out of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, will use the aircraft in multiple roles, Viking said in a statement. The versatile and dependable aircraft will serve as 19-passenger regional commuter planes, corporate shuttles and cargo transports. “With optional float and wheel/ski installations available, the basic aircraft can also be modified for use in water-based locations or during winter conditions on snow and ice,” Viking said in the statement.
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The sale provides a degree of stability to the company, which employs 330 people in North Saanich. The company has a total workforce of 420, including 90 at its final assembly facility in Calgary and a handful of regional sales and marketing directors that operate internationally. The company went through a difficult period earlier this year when it was forced to lay off more than 100 people. Please see: Viking produces 18 aircraft, page 2
A resident of the Pauquachin First Nation is worried about the safety of children in her neighbourhood after a large black bear was spotted roaming the area. “I’m just scared for all the kids and everybody,” said Donna Henry, after the bear was spotted almost every evening last week and has been in the area for a while. “It’s huge. We’ve never seen bears in our nation.” Henry said she warned Stelly’s Secondary School about the animal as she is worried for the safety of the community. Peter Westhaver, principal of Stelly’s, said the bear has been around for a while and that he has notified transportation along with the students at that time, adding authorities are the main ones people should speak with. “People need to realize you need to go to the authorities, they’re the filter on the wildlife,” he said. Conservation officers are aware of the bear sightings and said they had set a trap in the area last week to catch it. “We’re hoping to try to catch this bear sooner rather than later,” said Conservation Officer, Scott Norris. He advised people to clean up their garbage along with picking up fruit from fruit trees to try and prevent bears from lurking around their area. “We’ve educated the residents to clean up their garbage,” he said. Henry said the important thing is that people know about the bear in the area and take the proper precautions. Those who see a bear in their area are encouraged to call the conservation office service at 1-8779527277. - with files from Jim Zeeben
October 3, 2015 | 10am - 5pm Mary Winspear Centre - 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney Presentations by:
Princess Cruises - Cunard Cruise Lines - Holland America - Seabourn Cruise Line - Crystal Cruises - Azamara Cruises Norwegian Cruise Lines - Avalon River Cruises and Globus Tours - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Celebrity Cruise Lines Uniworld River Cruises - Insight Tours - Oceania Cruises PLUS - two special presentations on the Galapagous Islands (Celebrity Cruises Lines) and India (Uniworld River Cruises and Insight Tours) Refreshments......special offers......silent auction with all proceeds going to the Food Bank and Womens Shelter.
SPACE IS LIMITED — CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT! 250-656-5441 Bc REG 2550-6