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Lake Cowichan, B.C.
2021-10-18 20:20 PDT
Police enforcement of the injunction order in the Fairy Creek Watershed area continued today, on October 18, 2021.
While the RCMP has maintained a presence in the area since the September 28, 2021 court decision not to extend the previous injunction, individuals have re-established placing structures and obstacles across the forestry roads, some of which are more complex and dangerous.
Early this morning, police were able to remove an obstacle along Granite Mainline Forest Service Road, which protesters had been using as a kitchen, consisting of several shelves, tables, cooking and food preparation equipment and tools. Individuals were given the opportunity to pack their personal belongings and leave the area without being arrested.
Larger image of kitchen area with shelves and tables
Larger image of kitchen cooking area
By mid-day, officers began dismantling a very large hard block obstacle, also on the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road. It consisted of piles of sticks and logs, similar to a beaver dam, reinforced with rebar and industry steel cables. Individuals had secured themselves in locking devices underneath the piles of logs. Two tripods were also located directly behind the log piles, with one individual sitting at the top of each tripod under a tarp.
Larger image of structure consisting of piles of logs and tripods behind it
Larger image of tripod
In total, 6 individuals were arrested today; 5 of whom were for breaching the injunction (contempt of court) and were released in Port Renfrew after signing release conditions. One individual was arrested for obstruction and released in Port Renfrew without being processed.
The individuals on the tripods were left, and attempts to remove them will resume in the morning. Active patrols will continue throughout the night to ensure the roads remain clear of obstructions.
Since enforcement began, the RCMP have arrested 1,114 individuals; 110 of whom were previously arrested with a combined total of 261 times. Of the total arrested, 861 were for breaching the injunction (contempt of court), 213 were for obstruction, 21 were for mischief, 10 were for breaching their release conditions, 6 were for assaulting a police officer, 1 for counselling to resist arrest, 1 for causing a disturbance, and 1 Immigration Act.
All news releases on the Fairy Creek Watershed police enforcement issued to date can be found on the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment website.
Released by:
BC RCMP Communication ServicesTel: 778-290-2929Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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