Category Archives: News

Stay off the streets

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File photo by Chris Shepherd.

The Nelson Police Department has sent out a press release, asking people to stay off the streets tonight if they can.

Conditions are slippery and the police have received reports of accidents at various locations around Nelson. City sanding trucks are on duty but the press release says they may have trouble staying on top of the heavy snowfall expected to fall.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the entire West Kootenay region. They’re predicting 15 to 20 centimetres of snow to fall tonight.

Election results will be out hours earlier this fall

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Counting votes will go much faster this fall. Photo by Chris Shepherd.

Come voting day, the Nelson electorate will be faced with a new kind of ballot, one that may remind them of their high school days, and one that will cut hours out of the counting to find out who will be the new civic leaders.

To vote with the new system, voters have to colour in a circle beside their choice. The ballot is then fed into a machine that counts the votes and keeps a tally that will be ready immediately once all the votes are in.

There are roughly 5,000 voters registered in Nelson and the results could be ready in less than half an hour. Previous elections saw hours go by before the final count was done.

The city still keeps ballots afte the election and they can be counted manually should the need arise. See the video below for a quick demonstration.

Woman threatened suicide on Nelson Bridge

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PRESS RELEASE from the Nelson Police Department

At 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 Nelson Police were called to the Nelson Bridge responding to a complaint of a distraught female threatening suicide.

Photo source: Rosie vs Andre, Flickr, Creative Commons.

Upon arrival police found the female clinging to the railing on the outside of the bridge deck. A civilian witness already on the scene was communicating with the female and the dialogue continued with the police. Other first responders arrived on the scene including ambulance and Nelson Fire Rescue.

After a period of negotiation the female was brought to safety. She was then transported to Kootenay Lake Hospital and treated by staff.

Police are very appreciative of the caring assistance provided by the witness who maintained dialogue with the distressed female prior to and after polices’ arrival.

Father, daughter arrested for drug trafficking

On Tuesday, Oct. 25 Nelson Police executed a search warrant in an apartment block in the Fairview area of Nelson. Two people were arrested and a significant quantity of cocaine and ecstasy and drug trafficking paraphernalia was seized. The investigation is continuing; meanwhile a fifty-six year old male and his twenty six year old daughter will be appearing in Nelson Provincial court facing drug trafficking and possession charges.

Two police pepper sprayed

At 2:11 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 the Nelson Police Department was called to Chahko-Mika Mall regarding two males outside the east end of the mall drinking liquor.

Upon arrival, police began to check the pair when one bolted running towards the parking lot and waterfront. A foot pursuit ensued involving Nelson police patrol units, Integrated Road Safety units and a member of the RCMP. The male eventually ran along the water-front towards the soccer fields where he was finally apprehended.

The male was found to have a large quantity of ecstasy in his possession, drug trafficking paraphernalia and marijuana.

The male had suffered minor injuries during the incident due to being pepper sprayed and was hospitalized for a short period of time.

Two Nelson Police officers were also checked by hospital staff for various minor injuries and exposure to pepper spray.

During the investigation the male refused to identify himself and was therefore lodged in jail once released from hospital.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the male was illegally in Canada from the United States where he has a long criminal history.

The thirty-four year old male now faces charges of Possession of Ecstasy for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Marijuana, Escape Lawful Custody, Obstructing Police and Assault Police. Canada Immigration officials have also been notified and have placed a Detention Order on the male.

Dooley runs again

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John Dooley at the November 2010 public meeting on the Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan. File photo by Chris Shepherd.

John Dooley ended months of speculation this morning with the announcement he’ll seek the mayor’s seat for a third term.

Dooley told the Nelson Post he’s enjoyed working with the current council.

“There’s been a lot of harmony on council,” says Dooley. “We’ve been able to work well together and listen to each other’s suggestion and be open to them.”

Nelson is a diverse community and Dooley says he’s been able to take that into account as mayor.

“We have a lot of good things happening. You saw that last night,” said Dooley, referring to yesterday’s special committee of the whole meeting where council got an update on their Low Carbon Path to 2040 report. (Read the live blog of that meeting here.)

That report laid out several actions the city could take to reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions including increasing land use through secondary suites, more efficient buildings, district heating, waste handling, gathering public support and improving transportation options, including public transit.

Public transit cuts had to happen

That last item, public transit, is a sensitive topic for Dooley, who headed the move to cut service in a bid to rein in a $148,000 deficit in the service.

“Let’s cut to the chase: Transit cuts went up $148,000 a year. That will happen every year. That’s almost $600,000 over four years. The taxpayers can’t afford to have that happen,” says Dooley. “We would not permit that to happen in public works or the police department.”

The solution is to review the system and make it more efficient and cost effective, Dooley says. He also wants to see regional solutions to improve transit, linking with Trail and Castlegar and possible partnerships with groups like Nelson Car Share, taxis, and other transportation companies.

Dooley also says he wants to be a part of the revitalization of Nelson’s waterfront. The waste transfer station is slated to move outside city limits and Dooley would like to see a park go in, creating bookends between a park there and a park at Red Sands Beach.

Dooley says he wants to help bring about those changes and many others in a third term as Nelson’s mayor.

So far, Dooley is the only person to announce plans to run for mayor. The municipal election is Saturday, Nov. 19.

Macdonald announces run for council

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PRESS RELEASE from Donna Macdonald

Nelson city councillor Donna Macdonald is seeking another term. She filed her nomination papers yesterday at city hall.

“The last three years have been very fruitful,” says Macdonald. “As well as concrete accomplishments, like infrastructure upgrades, we did a lot of planning. We set the stage for action and I’d like to be on that stage.”

Donna Macdonald files her election papers. Photo submitted.

Macdonald was first elected to city council in 1988. Re-elected five times, she has served more than 15 years on council.

“I’ve learned so much over those years,” says Macdonald. “My experience shows. I get things done. I work hard. I’m thoughtful and questioning.”

Macdonald cites the progress of the Cultural Development Commission and the creation of the Nelson Housing Forum as two examples of her leadership. She was also pleased to be part of the library’s recent growth.

Macdonald also worked on climate change and community energy issues. And she’s concerned about the economy of Nelson.

“Watching Europe, we all worry what that might mean for us and for Nelson,” she says. “The challenge is to also see opportunities to build our self-reliance and unleash our local creativity and entrepreneurial energy.”

Macdonald says it’s key that we keep our eyes on the future, because change is occurring quickly in many spheres.

“Sometimes we get comfy in our little valley and forget to look over the mountains to see what’s happening,” she says. “That would be very unwise at this time of rapid change.”

Macdonald says she has great confidence in the people of Nelson.

“We’re all here because we love this place,” she says. “I want to keep working with the community to maintain our home in a healthy condition, in all senses of that word.”

Food inspection agency learns nothing new on local egg fraud

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Editor’s Note: One year ago Jon Steinman aired a story on his radio show, Deconstructing Dinner, (and published on News in the Kootenays) an investigative report on a series of tips that an East Kootenay farm was marketing eggs as being in part from their own farm, when in fact there were no chickens on the property. This story is a follow up that focuses on the activities of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Eggs R Uz no more.

Days after Deconstructing Dinner aired the story about the alleged food fraud by Eggs R Uz, the Wynndel farm closed their doors and surrendered their egg grading registration certificate to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Some might say the real story only began then, with attention becoming focused on the CFIA and their inspection practices.

I strategically informed the CFIA about the story exactly one day before it aired and the CFIA announced its own investigation into the questionable practices of Eggs R Uz.

As might be expected of such an investigation, accessing any information on its status was nearly impossible, and in late November, not long before Deconstructing Dinner took an indefinite break after almost five years on the air, it appeared that the CFIA’s investigation had concluded with no action taken nor any announcement made to the public.

Since then, Eggs R Uz’s largest customer – the Kootenay Country Store Co-operative in Nelson has been spending considerable time trying to uncover the outcomes of that investigation. The Co-op had been purchasing 3,600 eggs a week from the business and was one of 18 Eggs R Uz customers.

The Co-op is a strong advocate in the region for a vibrant and transparent local food supply and believes that the CFIA’s inaction on this matter is cause for concern. After filing an Access to Information request in December 2010 requesting the outcomes of the investigation and where the said “Product of Wynndel, B.C.” eggs actually came from, the CFIA responded with a package of information. No indication was given as to the actual origin of the eggs.

It also turns out that the supposed investigation which took place less than one week after the story aired was replete with questionable conclusions. For one, Creston CFIA inspectors concluded in a September 7 report, that for the previous three months, Eggs R Uz had been producing about 1,000 eggs per week. The Co-op, however, had been purchasing 3,600 eggs per week from Eggs R Uz and was only one of 18 of their customers. Despite confirmation that the CFIA had this information in their possession, the inspector nevertheless concluded that there was no wrongdoing.

More senior CFIA officials agreed that there was nothing to pursue further. For the Co-op, however, they believe there is much to pursue further, perhaps most importantly that the access to information request revealed that the CFIA had too been informed in May 2010 that the eggs being sold by Eggs R Uz might have been coming from out of province. The CFIA never followed up on that allegation, which offers strong evidence that the public institution allowed a possibly unsafe and fraudulent food product to knowingly enter the West Kootenay food supply.

To date, all further inquiries to the CFIA by the Co-op have not been responded to favourably and the Co-op continues to pursue the matter.

Pipe bomb defused at Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

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The RCMP bomb squad defused a pipe bomb at a provincial park near Nelson today, leaving police with questions about why the bomb was left near a boat launch earlier today.

According to a press release, police don’t think the the bomb was left at the park for detonation, “but may have been left behind by someone for storage and possible retrieval at a later time.”

The pipe bomb was found in the area of the boat launch and dog beach, by the blue marker on this image. Image source: Google Maps.

Police have no clues as to who left the bomb, roughly the size of a shoe box.

The RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called in from the Lower Mainland to deal with the package, reported to police at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7. On their arrive, the bomb squad determined there was a pipe bomb and “other explosive material” in the package. The bomb appeared homemade.

The bomb was found near the dog beach and boat launch which were cordoned off. In an earlier notice police said there was no threat to the public. According to accounts of people in the area, police kept the situation low key. The Nelson Post spoke with Mel Reasoner, who works at the park’s visitor’s centre, and he was unaware of the situation when he left the park at 1 p.m.

“These explosives had potential for serious injury or death,” said Staff Sgt. Dan Seibel in a press release. “It is a relief that the explosives are no longer on the streets or in the wrong hands.”

The Nelson Rural RCMP Detachment is seeking the public’s assistance, anyone with information on this occurrence is asked to phone the Nelson Rural Detachment at (250) 352-2156 or phone CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS. (Callers for CRIMESTOPPERS do not have to provide their identities and may be eligible for a reward).

Map

Bomb squad headed to Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

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The RCMP have cordoned off an area of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park today after finding a suspicious package they suspect contains explosives.

RCMP

A spokesperson for the RCMP could not be reached for further information.

In a press release issued late this morning police say the RCMP’s Explosive Bomb Disposal Unit is enroute from the Lower Mainland to assess the situation near Nelson, B.C.

Public access to the secured area will not be permitted until the package has been inspected and, if necessary, neutralized.  The press release states there is no danger or safety concerns for the public in other areas of the park outside of the secured area, however, RCMP are requesting the public’s cooperation in staying away from the area until the investigation has been completed.

Map

The map below shows the location of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.

Local filmmaker seeks funding for rural gay life documentary

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Local filmmaker Todd Smee has undertaken an ambitious project to document gay life in the Kootenays, but work can’t begin until he acquires funding for the film.

After graduating from film school in Los Angeles, Smee has returned to Castlegar and plans to shoot and produce his first feature-length film project.

“There’s a real voice here, and I think that needs to be tapped into,” Smee said, explaining his desire to tell the stories of those who have grown up gay in the Kootenays. He plans to use archived photographs and videos and tell the stories that go with them. “There’s a wealth of information here,” he said, assuring there was no shortage of content for the film.

Smee describes the acceptance of gay lifestyles in the Kootenays as something unique that has developed from the efforts of past local gay activists. He explained that there were many local figures who could have simply sought acceptance in major cities, but instead stayed and had a lasting impact on the area. Smee seeks to recognize those who brought us to this point of progression and tell the stories of people who have had similar experiences.

Growing up, there was always a place where Smee felt accepted, and he recognizes that there are important reasons, or more specifically, important people to whom his acceptance can be attributed. “You don’t have to move to Toronto to fit in,” he said, adding that he felt a real sense of belonging growing up gay in Castlegar.

His friends and classmates in Los Angeles were surprised to find out that there was a pride parade that catered to an area like the Kootenays.

A float from the 2010 Pride Parade. File photo by Chris Shepherd.

Nelson Pride Parade organiser Jason Peil, a classmate of Smee’s, said that although there has been marked progress in the past 20 years, there is still a lot of work to be done, recalling his own experience in school being bullied because of his sexual orientation.

“Kids should not be afraid to be perceived as gay, straight, bisexual or otherwise,” Peil said, adding “I think many within our own community feel that gay stories are important.”

Smee says support for the project is strong, but he’s having trouble finding funds to make the film. He has sought funding from locals, but has had little success. “Because of the subject matter, I think people are a little hesitant,” he explained. Smee is hopeful that his funding needs will be met and is still exploring the options available. Once production begins, he expects to finish the project within one year
and present it to the broadest audience he can.

Using IndieGoGo.com, Smee has launched a funding campaign that allows anyone to donate to his project. For those interested in donating, visit his fundraising website or contact Todd Smee directly via email toddcolemansmee@hotmail.com.

• Editor’s note: The 2011 Pride festivities are detailed here.

Police release name of victim in float plane crash

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RCMP

PRESS RELEASE from the RCMP

The RCMP have notified the next of kin of a Nelson man killed in last week’s float plane crash and have now released his name to the public.

James Forrest Kienholz, 63, died when the float plane he was riding in crashed into the Upper Arrow Lake near Nakusp on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

The pilot, a 79-year-old Nelson man, was rescued by local boaters, suffered only minor injuries.

The two friends departed from Nelson, B.C. on a day fishing trip to Fortress Lake, a remote Lake at the B.C./ Alberta border. They decided to make a stop in Nakusp when the incident occurred.

The Transportation and Safety Board, B.C. Coroner’s Service and RCMP are continuing their investigation. Pilot error during the attempted landing of the aircraft on the lake is believed to be a contributing factor.

See this report from the Arrow Lakes News for a brief interview with the pilot.