Update #4 on police enforcement of injunction order in Fairy Creek Watershed

B.C., Lake Cowichan

2021-05-21 18:07 PDT

From the news release issued yesterday, May 20, 2021, the RCMP returned to the McClure Forest Service Road early in the morning to continue enforcement efforts after it was determined that a person who was in a tree structure needed to be removed. When police trained in high angle rescue approached, the climber made use of a zip line to evade arrest. By early afternoon this person was secured and arrested by police. One person was also arrested for obstruction at the temporary access control area and was later released without charges being recommended.

Today, May 21, 2021, police enforcement operations continued in another area where Teal-Cedar Products Ltd. informed the RCMP that access was being denied due to protester activities. Enforcement action began in that area and four persons were arrested for breaching the injunction (civil contempt of court). One other person was arrested for obstruction after attempting to breach the access control point. All arrested persons were transported to the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment for processing.

Since enforcement began, the RCMP have now arrested 26 individuals; 21 for breaching the injunction (civil contempt of court) and 5 for obstruction. Of the 21 individuals arrested for civil contempt of court, RCMP are also recommending that 2 individuals be charged with obstruction, 2 for possession of stolen property and 1 for obstruction and assaulting a police officer.

There are several claims being circulated online regarding police actions and treatment of arrested individuals at the enforcement area, and during their transport to the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment and to court in Nanaimo. We encourage anyone who has a complaint to submit to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP.

Ultimately, our officers are equipped with video recording devices and we are prepared to submit all footage as evidence in the court of law. Body-worn video provides increased transparency, while also providing a first-person view of what a police officer encounters, oftentimes in highly dynamic and tense situations.

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:

Cpl. Chris Manseau
Division Media Relations Officer
BC RCMP Communication Services
Desk: 778-290-3791
Cellular: 250-413-7954
Email: chris.manseau@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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