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Lake Cowichan
2021-11-04 19:35 PDT
Police enforcement of the injunction order in the Fairy Creek Watershed area continued yesterday and today, with ongoing efforts to keep the Granite Mainline Forest Service Road and other corridors free from any obstructions, devices and open for industry access.
On Wednesday November 3, 2021 police located an individual in a tree-sit in a cutblock area. The individual was arrested for breaching the injunction (contempt of court), removed from the tree-sit and it was dismantled and removed. Police also assisted and supported several individuals with gathering personal items and leaving the area.
Today on November 4, 2021 police encountered an obstruction with locking devices in the morning along Granite Mainland Forest Service Road. Two individuals were arrested for breaching the injunction (contempt of court) and obstruction was cleared from the road. They were processed and then conditionally released in Port Renfrew.
Police agreed to work with the contemnors today to facilitate access, to areas within the injunction in order, to gather their last remaining personal items (camping gear, supplies, tarps, etc) and remove it from the injunction area. However, when they attempted to gather items directly used to breach the injunction, such as locking device and items used for tripod devices, trenches or tree-sits, those items were seized by police. Given that those involved failed to adhere to the agreed upon terms of access, no further access agreements will be supported by police moving forward.
Police also noted the weather has made some of the forest service roads treacherous and unsafe for general public travel.
Active and enhanced patrols of the corridor will continue to ensure the roads remain clear of obstructions, as well as the road checks for motor vehicle infractions in the area.
Sooke RCMP will also continue to be supported in their efforts to locate Gerald Kearney who is believed to be last seen in the Fairy Creek Watershed area. See news release issued on November 3, 2021.
Since enforcement began, the RCMP have arrested 1160 individuals; 110 of whom were previously arrested with a combined total of 261 times. Of the total arrested, 897 were for breaching the injunction (contempt of court), 221 were for obstruction, 21 were for mischief, 10 were for breaching their release conditions, 8 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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