Our archive for January of items from the files of the RCMP in Northwestern British Columbia
From the North Coast Review
January 25-- Verdict in Epicurean trial come in
January 23-- New Hazelton RCMP release sketch of suspect in hitchhiking incident of December
January 8-- Poor road conditions claim life of Terrace man on Highway 16
Media Items from across the Northwest
Prince Rupert/Port Edward/Haida Gwaii
January 28-- Haida Gwaii bear hunters fined
January 24-- Epicurean Arson Trial Reaches a Verdict
January 24-- Epicurean Arson Trial Verdict (video)
January 24-- Masset Family of Four Accused of Drug Trafficking
January 23-- RCMP address wolf shootings (page 1 and 2)
January 21-- Prince Rupert RCMP respond to theft in progress
January 16-- Victim of Granisle Highway Fatality Released
January 10-- Masset police report
January 8-- RCMP Clarify Details Surrounding Fatal Truck Crash
January 8-- Driver killed in accident originally from Lax Kw'alaams
January 7-- One Man Dead Following Highway Crash
January 7-- Truck Crash Prompts Closure of Highway 16 between Terrace and Prince Rupert
January 7-- Major accident closes highway between Prince Rupert and Terrace
January 4-- Masset police conduct road checks
January 4-- Suspect caught after break-ins at Queen Charlotte businesses
January 2-- RCMP officers shoot wolf, second shot in a week (page 1)
Terrace/Kitimat/Nass
January 30-- Missing man last seen in Terrace
January 30-- Police tuck man in to keep him from falling out of bed
January 30-- Guide-Outfitters Convicted of Several Charges
January 29-- Man faces break and enter charges
January 29-- Vehicles damaged at curling rink
January 29-- Hunting Guides fined (video)
January 29-- Eli Murder Trial (video)
January 28-- Murder Trial Ordered
January 28-- RCMP Release more information About Weekend Hitchhiker Assault in Thornhill
January 28-- Teen damages hospital bed
January 28-- Pedestrian struck in New Aiyansh
January 28-- Police seek three men for touching woman
January 27-- Preventing vehicle thefts and break ins
January 26-- Terrace RCMP investigate report of Attempted Abduction
January 25-- Three arrested in drug seizure
January 24-- Truck tires slashed
January 24-- School Bus Crash West of Houston
January 21-- Youth cause mayhem in Terrace, BC alley
January 19-- Police seize liquor in the Nass Valley
January 18-- Vehicle thefts rise in Terrace, BC
January 14-- Fatal Crash Closes Highway 118
January 10-- Highway 16 Driver Safety (video)
January 10-- Police seize five weapons; one was loaded
January 10-- No word yet on charges against police officer
January 9-- Man, Woman Seriously Hurt in Telkwa Crash
January 9-- Bobcat theft thwarted
January 9-- Man with brain injury not charged
January 8-- Gas station pump damaged
January 8-- Terrace Man dies in truck accident
January 8-- Kitimat Neighbourhood Demand Action Over Problem Dog
January 7-- Dog Rescued By Kitimat RCMP Officers
January 3-- Fowler Murder Witness (video)
January 2-- Police seize van following collisionhttp://www.terracestandard.com/news/188493931.html
Thursday, January 3, 2013
From Prince George, a hopeful step forward in the goal of Accountability and Transparency
Councillor Skakun told wrote in his motion to Prince George City Council that his request is a result of questions posed to him by residents. He says that in the interest of financial accountability and transparency the information should be made public. “I also feel that as an elected official I should be able to access this type of information upon request to help fulfill my oversight obligations I have to the residents of Prince George.
His motion requests detailed information on the expenses from Civic Administration and outlines the problems currently in place to access such forms of information when it comes to City of Prince George dealings with a number of expenditures.
He is hoping to see a more streamlined and easily accessible process in place to follow the money trail if you will of civic expenditures.
To move the motion forward, Skakun will require a seconder at Prince George Council on January 7th something that is not particularly a given.
His point though is a valid one, especially the portion of his motion that in the interest of financial accountability and transparency the information should be made public.
Those terms accountability and transparency are favourites of politicians on the campaign trail, suddenly banished from their lexicon it seems upon arrival in office. We've heard it frequently in Prince Rupert over the years, only to find that less and less information seems to be made public with each passing year.
Instead some strange sense of Omerta overtakes politicians it seems once they are in office and instead of open discussion, we find that special sessions of council and such take place more and more frequently.
The nod to transparency and maybe even some accountability, is apparently a notice on the City's website that Council will meet in Special session, with a note as to the subject ie: to discuss items on Watson Island.
Then the goal of transparency is dashed as the first item of business after being called to order, is to seemingly exclude the public.
It will be worth watching how Mr. Skakun's motion proceeds in Prince George, it would be fascinating to see if that spirit of accountability and transparency moves westbound, we're pretty sure that Prince Rupert residents could come up with a short list of contentious items that they might wish to have more information about.
It's not the first time that Councillor Skakun has been visible on matters of Prince George politics, last year he was found guilty of breaching privacy laws when he leaked internal city documents to local media in Prince George.
At the time he was fined 750 dollars for violating the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, an appeal was declined by the Courts and Mr. Skakun outlined his disappointment on that outcome to the CBC.
Clearly however, he hasn't lost his interest in seeking information on issues that Prince George residents have inquired about. it will be interesting to see if any of his fellow councillors share that interest in learning more about the financials of the City they are governing.
The full review of Councillor Skakun's motion can be found here, of interest to politicians everywhere some of the comments that follow it, where even those that don't particularly find much interest in Mr. Skakun's politics, are onside in his quest for answers and transparency.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
BC Assessments mailings herald the New Year
In a press release issued today, the folks at BC Assessments advise that the 9,100 property owners of Prince Rupert and Port Edward will soon be reviewing their 2013 assessment, a process that this year will provide for a change of 3 to 7 percent on the upward side.
The overall assessment for Prince Rupert's rolls will increase to 1.316 billion this year, up from last years numbers of 1.307 million.
Port Edward will see an increase from 70.6 million of 2012 to 71.4 million for 2013.
The evaluations take into account such things as subdivisions, rezoning and new construction.
Commercial and Industrial property owners in Prince Rupert will see changes ranging from -5 percent to +5 percent. In Port Edward that range will be from -5 percent to -10 percent.
Those property owners that believe their assessment does not reflect the market value should contact the BC Assessments office in Terrace as soon as possible.
If after that discussion the property owners still has concerns, they may submit a Notice of Complaint by January 31st seeking an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel.
CFTK-- NW Property Assessments (video)
CFTK-- NW Municipalities say Huge Assessment Increases Don't Mean Big Tax Hikes
Northern View-- Assessments up slightly in Prince Rupert and Port Edward
Terrace Standard-- Terrace, BC homes increase in value
Terrace Standard-- Property Assessments up Sharply in Kitimat
Opinion 250-- Assessments Issued
CFTK-- NW Property Assessments (video)
CFTK-- NW Municipalities say Huge Assessment Increases Don't Mean Big Tax Hikes
Northern View-- Assessments up slightly in Prince Rupert and Port Edward
Terrace Standard-- Terrace, BC homes increase in value
Terrace Standard-- Property Assessments up Sharply in Kitimat
Opinion 250-- Assessments Issued
At the moment just a red line on a map, but in the future...
As we mentioned back in November, Alberta is looking a little harder into an option proposed by a First Nations based group known as G7G (Generating for Seven Generations) which has been working on a transit route that would see Alberta's resources move from the Fort McMurray oil sands to a shipment point in Alaska.
A route which would make any further discussion on the Enbridge pipeline rather moot.
(A full review of our Enbridge hearings file can be found here)
The rail link to Alaska project received another review this weekend, this time from the Edmonton Journal which offered up this examination of the proposal and the reception it is receiving from the Alberta government.
Sometime in January, the cabinet of Premier Alison Redford will decide whether to invest some 10 million dollars into a study on the project, the Alberta portion of a 40 million dollar feasibility study on the proposed 2,400 rail line which would move bitumen by rail to Delta Junction, Alaska where it would them flow through the Trans Alaska pipeline on to Valez, Alaska.
A single track line line from For McMurray to Alaska would cost some 8.4 billion to build and would carry 1.5 million barrels a day, a double track line ups the cost to 10.4 billion but would carry five million barrels a day.
The key to the project moving forward is the fact that G7G suggests that they have received First Nations approval along the transit corridor to Alaska, something that the Enbridge proceedings have shown isn't likely at the moment (or any time soon) across the route to Kitimat.
In a National Post Article from November, Diane Francis outlined how the movement of bitumen from Alberta to Alaska, could in the end grow to be much more than just a way to move oil based resources.
Some of the key logistical points from the article are:
The rail line could return from Valdez bringing equipment, supplies and water from the coast to the oil patch, at lower costs compared with current modes and distances.
Shipping oil to Asia is cheaper, and would be two to four days shorter, from Valdez. “People are surprised at that, but if you look at the map, the mileage is dramatically less across the Pacific Ocean from Valdez compared to Kitimat.
If the railway was double-tracked Canadian potash, grains, lumber, metals, minerals and other exports could be taken to port for shipment around the world.
At the moment, the project is as they say in the article, just a red line on a map.
However considering the atmosphere over the Enbridge discussions of late and the less than welcoming approach of the BC Government on the transit of Alberta resources file, moving the shipment point north is starting to look more and more like a realistic prospect.
One which clearly change the dynamic of development not only in Northern British Columbia but along the Pacific Gateway, whether the terminus is Kitimat or Prince Rupert.
A balmy, rainy day on the coast. Inland, well shovels might be helpful
While Rupertites no doubt will welcome the Pacific front making its way ashore today and continuing on through the next week or so, a little further east our warm climate and anticipated rainfall provides for a forecast of anticipated shovelling.
Environment Canada has issued a Weather Warning for Inland sections of the North Coast.
And while Terrace and Kitimat residents will get off rather likely from this latest blast of winter, folks in Stewart will find it brings a familiar pattern of precipitation in the way of a rather large snowfall. With an expected 30 cm of snow to arrive before the weather system moves out of the region.
The full forecast for Prince Rupert and Terrace can be found below, changing weather makes for changing driving conditions and the latest road conditions, as always can be found on the Drive BC website.
Upate: A freezing rain warning was issued for the Terrace/Kitimat region at Noon hour, with the risk of freezing rain remaining in that region until later in the afternoon.
Terrace Standard-- Northwest BC travel advisory issued
Environment Canada has issued a Weather Warning for Inland sections of the North Coast.
And while Terrace and Kitimat residents will get off rather likely from this latest blast of winter, folks in Stewart will find it brings a familiar pattern of precipitation in the way of a rather large snowfall. With an expected 30 cm of snow to arrive before the weather system moves out of the region.
The full forecast for Prince Rupert and Terrace can be found below, changing weather makes for changing driving conditions and the latest road conditions, as always can be found on the Drive BC website.
Upate: A freezing rain warning was issued for the Terrace/Kitimat region at Noon hour, with the risk of freezing rain remaining in that region until later in the afternoon.
Terrace Standard-- Northwest BC travel advisory issued
The Mayor Reviews and Previews
The start of the new year brings many a message from politicians, a review of the year just past and a hopeful look to the new one just begun.
From the Queen
.
To the Prime Minister
.
And the Premier
. .
Of course, the Premier has had a spot of trouble with some of her recent public appearances, but that's a topic for another day we imagine.
For the moment however, let's head back to the theme of these messages of forward looking statements.
All weigh in with their thoughts on the path we've travelled and the one that still may be ahead.
The same thing happens on the local front, though it's more of an oral declaration to the local newspaper than anything else.
Mayor Jack Mussallem offered his reflections on the year just passed and cast a gaze towards how he thinks 2013 might move along.
Among the items of passing note to the Mayor, an interesting take on Industrial events, pointing to the success of the Industrial sector in 2012 and the Port of Prince Rupert in particular and how it has become the main engine of growth for the community. The Mayor observing that there is a sense of optimism in the community with expansion plans on the horizon.
Of course one must take the Mayor's words of optimism and weigh them with the recent moves by City Council on the Port File, which seem to be morphing into more of a watchdog role of late, rather than a supporter or at the least, a facilitator of Industrial Growth which might help create employment and provide for added civic revenue.
NCR-- Councillors Thorkelson and Rice with the LNG cross examination
NCR-- Can't we all just get along?
NCR-- The Mayor vents council's frustrations with Port Authority and partners
NCR-- City Council members ask many questions of Port representatives over Pinnacle Pellet Project
NCR-- Presentation Day at City Council
NCR-- Council calls on Port Authority to explain Pinnacle Pellet Approval
The Mayor also reviewed his previous pride in the growth of the commercial sector, the much anticipated arrival of Wal Mart (which replaced the departing Zellers), expansion and relocation of Shoppers to the Rupert Square and the appearance of such things as Chad's Smoke shop on 2nd Avenue, a tobacco shop in the Mall and the new Dollarama all it seems portend as signs of the city's return to commercial strength.
NCR-- City sees commercial growth from port activity
NCR-- Mayor finds positive signs in new business arrivals
In the meantime, to the East, the Terrace commercial sector continues to attract new business (and consolidate one that once called Prince Rupert home) to it's once deserted downtown mall and still remains the region's main shopping destination it seems.
NCR-- Shopping treks to Terrace still seem likely
The year end review also offered up the hope that the Watson Island issue will finally be resolved with the land sold off to investors (and we imagine all the legal deliberations finally will come to an end).
NCR-- A light on the Watson Island horizon?
NCR-- Let's call the whole thing off...
Still, it might be nice if the city provided a more comprehensive review of that file than a passing note in the newspaper, letting the city's residents know the running tally on such things a legal fees, remediation costs and if in the end, the sale price will provide the City with any tangible financial benefit when all of the drama is said and done.
The City took some credit for the work done on the cessation of train whistling, making conditions better for residents in certain areas of the community.
NCR-- Train keeps a comin'
Interestingly enough, in his year end recap of achievement and forward thinking, the Mayor neglected to mention that one major infrastructure item on the City's agenda that needs to find some kind of resolution, that being the Emergency Services building requirements for the RCMP and Fire Department.
That issue recently got kicked down the road until the spring, which while helpful for topic avoidance, a decision that doesn't bring us any closer to finding out what direction the city might be heading towards on that file.
NCR-- City Council kicks the emergency services debate down the road until March
NCR-- Discussion begins on emergency services replacement building
And the final note from the Mayor, was an interesting heads up for the Port (who he had earlier mentioned as our main success of 2012)
In a parting comment, the Mayor advises that the City will be "watching with interest on what is proposed for development in 2013" adding "that they will ensure that the "wood pellet plant adheres to the strict guidelines for dust and noise when it's in operation"
Those final thoughts from 2012 leave us to imagine that when it came to New Year's Resolutions, the conversation of Council may have been along the lines of a stay the course kind of approach for the year ahead, or if nothing else, a declaration that hey we're not changing.
Something that suggests many more council sessions for 2013 where City Council will find opportunity to vent on its frustrations with the scope of development on the north coast.
From the Queen
.
To the Prime Minister
.
And the Premier
. .
Of course, the Premier has had a spot of trouble with some of her recent public appearances, but that's a topic for another day we imagine.
For the moment however, let's head back to the theme of these messages of forward looking statements.
All weigh in with their thoughts on the path we've travelled and the one that still may be ahead.
The same thing happens on the local front, though it's more of an oral declaration to the local newspaper than anything else.
Mayor Jack Mussallem offered his reflections on the year just passed and cast a gaze towards how he thinks 2013 might move along.
Among the items of passing note to the Mayor, an interesting take on Industrial events, pointing to the success of the Industrial sector in 2012 and the Port of Prince Rupert in particular and how it has become the main engine of growth for the community. The Mayor observing that there is a sense of optimism in the community with expansion plans on the horizon.
Of course one must take the Mayor's words of optimism and weigh them with the recent moves by City Council on the Port File, which seem to be morphing into more of a watchdog role of late, rather than a supporter or at the least, a facilitator of Industrial Growth which might help create employment and provide for added civic revenue.
NCR-- Councillors Thorkelson and Rice with the LNG cross examination
NCR-- Can't we all just get along?
NCR-- The Mayor vents council's frustrations with Port Authority and partners
NCR-- City Council members ask many questions of Port representatives over Pinnacle Pellet Project
NCR-- Presentation Day at City Council
NCR-- Council calls on Port Authority to explain Pinnacle Pellet Approval
The Mayor also reviewed his previous pride in the growth of the commercial sector, the much anticipated arrival of Wal Mart (which replaced the departing Zellers), expansion and relocation of Shoppers to the Rupert Square and the appearance of such things as Chad's Smoke shop on 2nd Avenue, a tobacco shop in the Mall and the new Dollarama all it seems portend as signs of the city's return to commercial strength.
NCR-- City sees commercial growth from port activity
NCR-- Mayor finds positive signs in new business arrivals
In the meantime, to the East, the Terrace commercial sector continues to attract new business (and consolidate one that once called Prince Rupert home) to it's once deserted downtown mall and still remains the region's main shopping destination it seems.
NCR-- Shopping treks to Terrace still seem likely
The year end review also offered up the hope that the Watson Island issue will finally be resolved with the land sold off to investors (and we imagine all the legal deliberations finally will come to an end).
NCR-- A light on the Watson Island horizon?
NCR-- Let's call the whole thing off...
Still, it might be nice if the city provided a more comprehensive review of that file than a passing note in the newspaper, letting the city's residents know the running tally on such things a legal fees, remediation costs and if in the end, the sale price will provide the City with any tangible financial benefit when all of the drama is said and done.
The City took some credit for the work done on the cessation of train whistling, making conditions better for residents in certain areas of the community.
NCR-- Train keeps a comin'
Interestingly enough, in his year end recap of achievement and forward thinking, the Mayor neglected to mention that one major infrastructure item on the City's agenda that needs to find some kind of resolution, that being the Emergency Services building requirements for the RCMP and Fire Department.
That issue recently got kicked down the road until the spring, which while helpful for topic avoidance, a decision that doesn't bring us any closer to finding out what direction the city might be heading towards on that file.
NCR-- City Council kicks the emergency services debate down the road until March
NCR-- Discussion begins on emergency services replacement building
In a parting comment, the Mayor advises that the City will be "watching with interest on what is proposed for development in 2013" adding "that they will ensure that the "wood pellet plant adheres to the strict guidelines for dust and noise when it's in operation"
Those final thoughts from 2012 leave us to imagine that when it came to New Year's Resolutions, the conversation of Council may have been along the lines of a stay the course kind of approach for the year ahead, or if nothing else, a declaration that hey we're not changing.
Something that suggests many more council sessions for 2013 where City Council will find opportunity to vent on its frustrations with the scope of development on the north coast.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
North Coast Arts and Entertainment Notes
Our Archive of notes on Arts and Entertainment on the North Coast
2013
December 5-- Winterfest offers up weekend of family fun NCR
November 28-- One week until curtain call for Beauty and the Beast NCR
November 20-- CHSS presenting a tale as old as time
November 13-- Prince Rupert's Dale Campbell honoured with provincial award
November 6-- Lightwire to illuminate Prince Rupert's Lester Centre of the Arts
November 6-- Racket at the Racquet Centre in Prince Rupert
October 22-- Haida Master Charles Edenshaw inspired modern artists
September 25-- Prince Rupert artist excels in New Mexico
September 11-- Prince Rupert Community Choir, band preparing for new season
August 21-- Scenes from the 15th Annual Udderfest
August 13-- Udderfest kicks off tomorrow night
June 25-- Spectrum Dance presents Alice in Wonderland
June 19-- Dance Academy of Prince Rupert holds year-end performance
May 29-- Prince Rupert's Benefit of the Bands
May 22-- Salmon Festival a cultural celebration
May 15-- Results from the BC Annual Dance Competition in Prince Rupert
May 15-- Rockstock a showcase of Prince Rupert talent
May 8-- So you wanna be Premier? (N View e edition pg 20)
May 1-- Welcome to the 2013 BC Annual Dance Competition (N View e edition pgs14-16)
May 1-- Bif Naked hits the stage (N View e edition pg 17)
April 24-- Madison Violet performing in Prince Rupert tomorrow night
April 9-- Reveen, a long time fixture on Prince Rupert's entertainment scene passes away NCR
April 3-- Dancers have strong showing in Prince George (N View e edition pg 10)
March 13-- CHSS Dessert Theatre (N View e edition pg 21)
March 13-- Celtic Night a cultural celebration (N View e edition pg 15)
March 7-- Charles Hays Secondary Drama Department putting on annual Dessert Theatre
March 6-- Cheesecake Burlesque Revue puts on a show to remember
February 27-- Prince Rupert Children's Festival this Saturday
February 21-- Charles Hays Drama Students in Terrace for Zones NCR
February 20-- Prince Rupert school board defends "sexually suggestive" high school play
January 23-- Sugar Shack Festival Opens today NCR
2012
December 24-- Students Present Jingle Bell Rock concert at Lester Centre
December 19-- Harbour Theatre brings a hilarious take on Christmas to Prince Rupert
December 6-- Charles Hays Secondary set to raise the curtain on Legally Blonde NCR
December 5-- Prince Rupert music students will perform holiday concert to raise funds for families in need
October 26-- The Eclectic Show offers an arrangement of talents
October 26-- Myles Goodwyn and April Wine perform in Prince Rupert
2013
December 5-- Winterfest offers up weekend of family fun NCR
November 28-- One week until curtain call for Beauty and the Beast NCR
November 20-- CHSS presenting a tale as old as time
November 13-- Prince Rupert's Dale Campbell honoured with provincial award
November 6-- Lightwire to illuminate Prince Rupert's Lester Centre of the Arts
November 6-- Racket at the Racquet Centre in Prince Rupert
October 22-- Haida Master Charles Edenshaw inspired modern artists
September 25-- Prince Rupert artist excels in New Mexico
September 11-- Prince Rupert Community Choir, band preparing for new season
August 21-- Scenes from the 15th Annual Udderfest
August 13-- Udderfest kicks off tomorrow night
June 25-- Spectrum Dance presents Alice in Wonderland
June 19-- Dance Academy of Prince Rupert holds year-end performance
May 29-- Prince Rupert's Benefit of the Bands
May 22-- Salmon Festival a cultural celebration
May 15-- Results from the BC Annual Dance Competition in Prince Rupert
May 15-- Rockstock a showcase of Prince Rupert talent
May 8-- So you wanna be Premier? (N View e edition pg 20)
May 1-- Welcome to the 2013 BC Annual Dance Competition (N View e edition pgs14-16)
May 1-- Bif Naked hits the stage (N View e edition pg 17)
April 24-- Madison Violet performing in Prince Rupert tomorrow night
April 9-- Reveen, a long time fixture on Prince Rupert's entertainment scene passes away NCR
April 3-- Dancers have strong showing in Prince George (N View e edition pg 10)
March 13-- CHSS Dessert Theatre (N View e edition pg 21)
March 13-- Celtic Night a cultural celebration (N View e edition pg 15)
March 7-- Charles Hays Secondary Drama Department putting on annual Dessert Theatre
March 6-- Cheesecake Burlesque Revue puts on a show to remember
February 27-- Prince Rupert Children's Festival this Saturday
February 21-- Charles Hays Drama Students in Terrace for Zones NCR
February 20-- Prince Rupert school board defends "sexually suggestive" high school play
January 23-- Sugar Shack Festival Opens today NCR
2012
December 24-- Students Present Jingle Bell Rock concert at Lester Centre
December 19-- Harbour Theatre brings a hilarious take on Christmas to Prince Rupert
December 6-- Charles Hays Secondary set to raise the curtain on Legally Blonde NCR
December 5-- Prince Rupert music students will perform holiday concert to raise funds for families in need
October 26-- The Eclectic Show offers an arrangement of talents
October 26-- Myles Goodwyn and April Wine perform in Prince Rupert
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