Newsroom - Vancouver Island / Coast tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2011-03-30://1 2013-05-22T19:43:25Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.38 BC Coroners Service confirms impairment ruled out in fatal MVI tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6013 2013-05-22T18:10:00Z 2013-05-22T19:43:25Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that impairment by drugs or alcohol has been ruled out as a factor in a tragic Surrey motor vehicle incident in which six people died. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ BURNABY - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that impairment by drugs or alcohol has been ruled out as a factor in a tragic Surrey motor vehicle incident in which six people died.

Fraser Regional Coroner Vincent Stancato said that toxicology results received from the Provincial Toxicology Centre show no indication of impairment due to alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription or over-the-counter medications in the blood of Daniel Mark Gore.

Mr. Gore, aged 46 from Surrey, was the driver and sole occupant of a mini-van which hit a car broadside at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 176th Street (Pacific Highway) in Surrey at about 11 a.m. on April 28.

The five occupants of the car were all deceased at the scene. They are: Pawandeep Arjot, aged 31, Annish Sachdeva, aged five, Jessica Sachdeva, aged three, Neelam Rani Dhingra, aged 47, and Vidya Wanti Sachdeva, aged 68, all from Surrey.

With impairment ruled out as a factor, the coroner's investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing. Mr. Gore died in hospital seven days after the crash. During his time in hospital, he was diagnosed with a serious medical condition unrelated to the injuries he sustained in the MVI.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

]]> Weekend enforcement successful in Campbell River area tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6012 2013-05-22T18:00:00Z 2013-05-22T19:45:32Z Natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations joined forces with Ministry of Environment conservation officers and the RCMP to patrol recreation sites in the Campbell River area over the weekend. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ CAMPBELL RIVER - Natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations joined forces with Ministry of Environment conservation officers and the RCMP to patrol recreation sites in the Campbell River area over the weekend.

The May long weekend is the unofficial start of the summer camping season and forestry recreation campsites around Campbell Lake are popular with families. The officers wanted to ensure that all visitors enjoyed a safe and peaceful Victoria Day holiday.

Officers conducted patrols of 26 campsites west of Campbell River and spoke with about 180 people over the course of the weekend. The vast majority of campers were co-operative and complying with safety regulations.

However, natural resource officers issued 10 warnings to drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes for not having the required insurance. They issued another five warnings for various violations of the Forest and Range Practices Act. Conservation officers and the RCMP also dealt with several ATV and boating safety concerns and violations of the Wildlife Act.

While the joint patrols were underway at forest recreation sites, another group of natural resource officers was stationed on the south side of John Hart Lake. In 2001, the provincial government worked with the City of Campbell River to prohibit camping and motorized vehicle use in a large portion of the John Hart Lake Community Watershed. Over the years, a great deal of effort has gone into protecting the quality of the city's water supply.

However, some campers, ATV operators and motorcyclists continue to ignore the restrictions. Over the Victoria Day long weekend, officers stepped up enforcement in the watershed to curb this trend and help protect the community's drinking water supply.

Officers stationed at John Hart Lake turned around 11 ATVs and dirt bikes and issued eight violation tickets and six warning tickets. They are currently investigating another eight offences related to the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Ignoring camping or motorized vehicle restrictions can result in a fine of $115. Anyone causing environmental damage can be fined $575.

Learn More:

Forestry recreation sites: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca

Vehicle restrictions in the Campbell River community watershed: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dcr/ATV.htm

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on your cellphone.

Media Contacts:

Mark Ross
Natural Resource Officer
Campbell River Field Unit
Compliance and Enforcement Branch
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 286-9400 (Campbell River)

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261 (Victoria)

]]> Premier's statement on Harold Long tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6011 2013-05-22T17:30:00Z 2013-05-22T17:37:22Z Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement on the passing of former Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Harold Long. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement today on the passing of former Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Harold Long:

"It was great sadness that I learned of the death of Harold Long.

"Harold served as an MLA on two separate occasions, and set an example by always working to make his community and province a better place.

"I served with Harold in the Legislature from 2001 to 2005 and will never forget his wise counsel and belief in giving back to British Columbia in ways big and small.

"He embraced life with a great spirit. There were never any strangers when Harold was around. He treated everyone exactly the same - like a friend.

"Harold's family can be immensely proud of all his contributions and his generous nature, both of which touched so many. My thoughts and prayers are with them."

Media Contact:

Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 588-8380

]]> BC Coroners Service identifies air crash victim tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6010 2013-05-22T17:20:00Z 2013-05-22T17:39:03Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a float plane crash near Stuart Island on May 21, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a float plane crash near Stuart Island on May 21, 2013.

He was Harold James Long, aged 72, from Powell River.

Mr. Long served as MLA for the Mackenzie riding (as it was then named) from 1986 to 1991 and again as MLA for the riding of Powell River-Sunshine Coast from 2001 to 2005.

Mr. Long was the pilot and sole occupant of a DHC-2 Beaver float plane that was spotted overturned in Bute Inlet on the west side of Stuart Island in the late afternoon of May 21, 2013. Search-and-rescue technicians, the Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP attended the scene, confirmed Mr. Long's death and completed the recovery later in the day.

The BC Coroners Service, Transportation Safety Board and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Long has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to family and friends of Mr. Long, and its thanks to the Victoria Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP for their assistance with this case.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133

]]> BC Coroners Service warns of high-water dangers tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6007 2013-05-17T22:05:00Z 2013-05-17T22:51:34Z On the eve of the Victoria Day long weekend, the BC Coroners Service is warning residents to take extreme care near streams and rivers which are currently running much faster and higher than normal. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - On the eve of the Victoria Day long weekend, the BC Coroners Service is warning residents to take extreme care near streams and rivers which are currently running much faster and higher than normal.

People can significantly underestimate the force that can be unleashed by a fast-running river, said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and do not realize how different it is from the quiet stream where they regularly swim, raft or paddle.

Three such deaths already have occurred this spring: two young men swept away in Golden Ears Provincial Park, and a young woman who fell into Swift Current Creek near Valemount.

If a river is running quickly, about 15 1/4 centimetres (or six inches) of water can sweep a person downstream, and a little over six-tenths of a metre (or two feet) of water can carry away most vehicles.

Although the bank of a fast-running creek may look stable, such banks are often eroded by the water and can collapse with the added weight of persons standing on them. Moving water or standing pools of water also can contain dangerous debris, so no one should try to walk or drive through them.

The warning comes as the BC Coroners Service releases its newest report into Accidental Drowning Deaths, covering the five-year period from 2008 through 2012. The report looks at a total of 397 deaths over the five-year period. Of those, 58.7 per cent occurred in the summer months of May through August.

The statistics make clear the danger of mixing alcohol or drugs with water-related activities. Of all deaths recorded, impairment by alcohol or drugs was a factor in 40.2 per cent of the cases.

The full report can be found on the BC Coroners Service website at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/publications/docs/stats-water-related-fatalities.pdf

Media Contact:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253

]]> Statement on Hon. Steven Point resignation tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6005 2013-05-17T17:00:00Z 2013-05-17T20:44:29Z Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond released the following statement today following the resignation of the Honourable Steven Point as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond released the following statement today following the resignation of the Honourable Steven Point as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women:

"I have accepted the resignation of the Honourable Steven Point from his position as chair of the advisory committee on the safety and security of vulnerable women. His last day will be May 30, 2013.

"I appreciate the decisions of the four families of missing women who have chosen to pursue civil suits related to the Pickton case, but I am disappointed that the no doubt unintended consequences of these claims have led Mr. Point to conclude that he must step aside.

"When matters proceed to court, the litigation process takes precedence over all other related processes. The plaintiffs have put Mr. Point on notice that, in his role as chair of the advisory committee, his comments and remarks may well become evidence in the course of the litigation. This would have placed an impossible burden on Mr. Point to avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or be used in or influence the course of litigation.

"As well, this pursuit of litigation will impact the government's current process in responding to the recommendations from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (MWCI), and we now have to analyze how we will continue to move forward while the court case is underway.

"That said, I can tell you that our government remains committed to creating a legacy of safety and security for vulnerable women. We have always known that necessary changes won't be easy and they wouldn't happen overnight.

"I want to thank Mr. Point for the work he has done to date as a champion for implementation of the MWCI recommendations, and I know the foundation he has built in the past five months will serve us well as we move forward within the constraints of our ability due to these active civil suits.

"As Attorney General and due to the legal sensitivities of this situation, I am unable to make any further comment at this time."

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961

See backgrounder attached for the text of the Hon. Steven Point's resignation letter.

BACKGROUNDER

Text of the letter from the Honourable Steven Point to Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond

It is with regret that I find it necessary to advise you that litigation has been commenced by certain family members of the victims of Pickton, and I have been served with documents that have put me on notice regarding this litigation.

As a consequence of this development I have concluded that it is impossible to continue in my role as special advisor to government in relation to the recommendations by Commissioner Oppal in his report on Murdered and Missing Women.

I have consulted with the Ministry of Justice who have agreed that in light of the current litigation process it is not possible to proceed further and therefore we have jointly reached the conclusion that I must resign and I have done so, effective May 30, 2013.

I sincerely regret the events that have necessitated my reaching this decision however once litigation has been chosen, I cannot see a path that allows me to fulfil the role that I was asked to undertake.

Sincerely,

Steven Point

]]> Enforcement officers on patrol over May long weekend tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6003 2013-05-15T18:00:00Z 2013-05-15T20:56:26Z British Columbia's natural resource officers, park rangers and conservation officers will be busy over the Victoria Day long weekend helping residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - British Columbia's natural resource officers, park rangers and conservation officers will be busy over the Victoria Day long weekend helping residents and visitors enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday.

Provincial officials step up their patrols in May every year, especially on holiday long weekends.

  • Natural resource officers, conservation officers and the RCMP will be patrolling Crown land, waterways and recreation sites to ensure public safety and protect the environment. Natural resource officers also enforce the forest recreation regulation.
  • Park rangers will be patrolling BC Parks and enforcing the park, conservancy and recreation area regulation to enhance public safety and protect sensitive ecosystems.
  • Conservation officers will be checking permits to protect public safety and enforcing environment, fish and wildlife regulations. They also will be patrolling recreation sites.

Most provincial parks and recreation sites are open for the May long weekend. Up-to-date information is available on the BC Parks website and the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website.

BC Parks: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Here is some important information to bear in mind over the long weekend:

Camping

  • Many campgrounds have specified rules and guidelines. Visitors are asked to comply with the posted rules.
  • Gates in provincial parks and some recreation sites are closed at 11 p.m., unless otherwise stated. Only registered campers are allowed in campsites after 11 p.m.
  • Excessive noise is not permitted. Please remember that sound can travel far in the open air, especially music and loud talking.
  • Liquor consumption is prohibited in parks, with the exception of your own campsite.
  • Barbecues must be used on the ground unless barbecue attachments are provided on picnic tables.
  • To avoid problems with bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Use the garbage containers that are provided and maintain a clean campsite. Never feed or approach bears.
  • Designated swimming areas within marker buoys are intended to protect swimmers. All watercraft and waterskiers must stay outside the markers. Lifeguards are not on duty in BC Parks or recreation sites.
  • Visitors can use trails to travel safely through the most interesting and beautiful parts of BC Parks or recreation sites, without damaging sensitive and unique plant and wildlife habitat. Please stay on the trails.

Campfire safety

  • Always check the Wildfire Management Branch website - www.bcwildfire.ca - before heading into the backcountry to find out if any open burning prohibitions are in effect.
  • If campfires are allowed in your area, bring a shovel or keep at least eight litres of water nearby to properly extinguish your campfire.
  • Make sure the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave it unattended for any period of time. Ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished in an ashtray and are not tossed away carelessly.
  • Campfires cannot be larger than 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in diameter (roughly 11/2 feet by 11/2 feet).
  • You must maintain a one-metre fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.
  • You may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if your negligence results in a wildfire.
  • Members of the public can report wildfires or unattended campfires by calling *5555 on a cellphone or by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

Off-road vehicles

  • Respect the environment when riding off-road vehicles. Use trails designated for motorized use.
  • Most provincial parks are closed to off-road vehicle use unless posted as open.
  • Operators of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are reminded that these vehicles must be insured while being driven on forest service roads.
  • Keep vehicles out of sensitive sites that are easily damaged, such as wetlands, grasslands, alpine areas and subalpine environments.
  • Failure to comply with regulations could result in a fine of $575 or (in more serious cases involving damage) up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Fishing

  • Make sure you have a valid angling licence (April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014) and are aware of angling regulations for the waters in your area, including gear and bait restrictions.
  • If you are operating a small vessel, ensure that you have your operator's licence with you and be aware of safety regulations for operating small vessels.

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times within provincial parks and in some recreation sites. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings.

The B.C. Wildlife Federation offers a reward up to $2,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone who breaks wildlife laws, vandalizes private property or contravenes other property laws.

Report suspicious activities and environmental damage to the Conservation Officer Service's toll-free, 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952-RAPP (7277), or call *7277 from your cellphone.

More information:

BC Parks: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Discover Camping: www.discovercamping.ca

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Wildfire Management Branch: http://bcwildfire.ca/

Fire restrictions and bans: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Hunting and fishing regulations: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/

Media Contacts:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Aly Couch
Provincial Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 312-3052

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

]]> Temporary measures support long weekend safety at Sombrio Beach tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.6000 2013-05-15T15:30:00Z 2013-05-15T16:10:41Z For the second year in a row, the gravel access road from Highway 14 to the parking lot at the Sombrio Beach trailhead will be temporarily closed to help prevent unauthorized activities, like large parties and vandalism, over the Victoria Day long weekend. long weekend. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - For the second year in a row, the gravel access road from Highway 14 to the parking lot at the Sombrio Beach trailhead will be temporarily closed to help prevent unauthorized activities, like large parties and vandalism, over the Victoria Day long weekend.

The 2.5-kilometre access road will be closed from 6 a.m. Friday, May 17 to 6 a.m. Monday, May 20.

All locations within Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, including the designated campsites at Sombrio Beach and the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, remain open to the public. The three remaining trailheads to the Juan de Fuca Trail at China Beach, Parkinson Creek and Botanical Beach are still accessible by vehicles.

BC Parks wants to ensure all park users can peacefully and safely enjoy the recreational activities that Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is known for, like hiking, camping and marine and wildlife viewing. Unauthorized activities can impact the social, economic, cultural and ecological sustainability of both the park and local communities.

The ministries of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Transportation and Infrastructure, the Conservation Officer Service, the Pacheedaht First Nation and the RCMP are working with BC Parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment for all visiting Sombrio Beach.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

]]> Celebrate the long weekend in a BC Park tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5994 2013-05-13T18:49:00Z 2013-05-13T20:48:38Z The Victoria Day long weekend is a busy one for Discover Camping, the Province's camping reservation system, but many BC Parks still offer first-come, first-served campsites for visitors without reservations. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The Victoria Day long weekend is a busy one for Discover Camping, the Province's camping reservation system, but many BC Parks still offer first-come, first-served campsites for visitors without reservations.

Reservations in BC Parks are up 10 per cent this year to date, at 36,038 reservations compared to 32, 729 reservations in 2012. The most popular parks are Haynes Point, Bear Creek, Cultus Lake, Rathtrevor Beach and Okanagan Lake South.

To check availability in BC Parks, the public is encouraged to visit the Discover Camping website at: www.discovercamping.ca

Those searching for long-weekend availability can do so by selecting the desired dates under quick dates in step two and then clicking on the "in a list" icon under find sites.

Many parks have seen upgrades directed at attracting young families, offering new recreation opportunities, improving accessibility and increasing attendance.

  • If you're on Vancouver Island be sure to check out Rathtrevor Provincial Park's newly reconstructed campground and improved day use areas, including new picnic shelters and tables.
  • The toilet and shower buildings at Cultus Lake Provincial Park have recently been enhanced to reflect green technology and improve accessibility. New picnic tables have also been installed.
  • Visitors to the Kettle River Recreation Area can now enjoy 28 new campsites, picnic tables and a new toilet and shower building, as well as more trails linking existing campground loops.
  • In the Kootenays, visitors can enjoy new picnic tables, signage and other improvements to the trail system at Kikomun Creek Provincial Park. The new Ponderosa campground also provides 37 campsites, two cabins and a shower building.
  • Those visiting the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park can now enjoy a new deck and change houses around the hot spring pool. This has improved accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

To find out what's new in a park near you, visit: www.BCParks.ca

There are over 5,000 reservable sites in 95 provincial parks throughout British Columbia. Up to three reservations can be made online in one easy transaction through Discover Camping. Individual sites are available up to three months in advance, while group sites are available up to 12 months in advance.

Discover Camping is also accessible by mobile devices at: https://secure.camis.com/BCMobile This is an alternative way to book a campsite from any mobile device or computer.

Reservations can also be made through the call centre at 1 800 689-9025 for a surcharge of $5 (plus tax).

Don't forget to pick up a free BC Parks Passport at any visitor centre in B.C. and most provincial parks. The idea is to collect six stamps at provincial parks to earn a collectible pin and six stickers from a BC Visitor Centre to earn an environmentally-friendly water bottle. Passports also include advice on trip-planning and Visitor Centre coupons.

Media contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834


]]> B.C. crews head to Alberta to assist with prescribed burns tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5985 2013-05-09T22:45:00Z 2013-05-09T23:23:39Z The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 13 personnel to Alberta to assist Parks Canada in carrying out prescribed burns. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ KAMLOOPS - The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 13 personnel to Alberta to assist Parks Canada in carrying out prescribed burns.

Four, three-person initial attack crews and one agency representative are departing today for Waterton and Banff, Alberta.

The request for assistance was made through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which co-ordinates the mutual sharing of firefighting resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions.

Considering the current and forecasted provincial fire situation, sufficient personnel and resources remain in B.C. to respond appropriately to any within-province fire activities. Crews can be deployed for up to 19 days but can be recalled at any time.

Costs associated with deployment will be covered by the receiving jurisdictions under the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, which allows for the movement of firefighting resources throughout Canada.

Quick Facts:

  • Initial attack crew: These wildland firefighters are usually assigned to newer and smaller fires.
  • Agency representative: Acts as the link between the deployed crews and the Wildfire Management Branch.
  • Prescribed fire can be used to safely reintroduce fire into the landscape to restore natural ecosystems, enhance habitat and reduce fuel loads. Wildfire Management Branch staff are often called upon to supply equipment and resources for these planned burns.

Learn More:

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contact:

Kevin Skrepnek
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
250 312-3075 (office)

]]> Body of missing Craycroft Island man found tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5982 2013-05-07T23:30:00Z 2013-05-07T23:51:35Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a man missing from his boat in the Sayward area has been found deceased. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a man missing from his boat in the Sayward area has been found deceased.

The man is Douglas James Gordon, aged 80, a long-time resident of Craycroft Island, northwest of Sayward across Johnstone Strait.

Mr. Gordon was reported missing to RCMP on May 4 when his neighbours noticed his boat tied up near his house, idling and secured by only a stern line. Mr. Gordon was nowhere to be found. A search began that day, and continued until May 7 when Mr. Gordon was found by a search-and-rescue dive team on the ocean floor near where the boat had been moored.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP are continuing to investigate this death. Foul play has been ruled out in the case.

The family of Mr. Gordon has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133

]]> BC Coroners Service confirms identity of deceased teens tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5980 2013-05-06T23:00:00Z 2013-05-07T15:53:25Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of two teens whose bodies were recovered from Nicola Lake on May 6, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of two teens whose bodies were recovered from Nicola Lake on May 6, 2013.

They are Brendan Daniel Wilson and Austin Kurtis Kingsborough, both 17, and both from Langley.

The two were reported to police as missing on April 21 when they failed to return to Langley as planned after a weekend trip to a family cabin on Nicola Lake. The next day their canoe was found, half-submerged in the lake, and some personal belongings were also found. An official search was carried on for four days at that time, but the boys were not found.

On May 5, a private team from Idaho arrived in the area, equipped with sophisticated sonar equipment. On the morning of May 6, with the use of this equipment, the team was able to locate the site for the recovery operation, and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team then completed the recoveries.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.

For further information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253


]]> BC Coroners Service confirms identity of motorcyclist tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5979 2013-05-06T21:40:00Z 2013-05-07T15:54:34Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a motorcycle incident in the Victoria suburb of Saanich on May 4, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in a motorcycle incident in the Victoria suburb of Saanich on May 4, 2013.

He was Alan Shang Fung Tam, aged 26, from Saanich.

Mr. Tam was the operator of a motorcycle that went off road to the right on Shelbourne Street just north of North Dairy Road about 11:15 p.m. on May 4, impacting a large tree. He was transported to Victoria General Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arrival.

The BC Coroners Service and Saanich Police continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Tam has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133

]]> BC Coroners Service identifies victim of house fire tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5973 2013-04-29T21:30:00Z 2013-04-30T18:31:33Z The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died following a house fire in Port Alberni on April 22, 2013. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died following a house fire in Port Alberni on April 22, 2013.

She was Vivian Leigh Cudmore, aged 63, from Port Alberni.

At about 4 p.m. on April 22, the Port Alberni fire department responded to a structure fire at a fourplex on Melrose Street in Port Alberni. They found one suite, in which Ms. Cudmore resided, fully involved in the fire. When the fire had been extinguished, the body of Ms. Cudmore was located in the suite.

The BC Coroners Service, Port Alberni Fire Department and Port Alberni RCMP are continuing to investigate this death.

The family of Ms. Cudmore is aware of her death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133

]]> Leave newborn wildlife in the wild tag:www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca,2013://1.5970 2013-04-26T17:00:00Z 2013-04-26T21:15:30Z When it comes to newborn wild animals, mother always knows best, and so with fawning and calving season underway, provincial biologists are reminding people that newborn deer, elk or moose should not be touched or moved when encountered. BC Government http://www.gov.bc.ca/ VICTORIA - When it comes to newborn wild animals, mother always knows best, and so with fawning and calving season underway, provincial biologists are reminding people that newborn deer, elk or moose should not be touched or moved when encountered.

People who find these newborns alone often mistakenly believe they have been abandoned, but usually they have only been left there temporarily by their mother, who will return. Intervening in these situations by "rescuing" the fawn or calf is rarely necessary and will usually do more harm than good.

It is normal for mother deer, elk and other ungulates to leave their young alone for long periods, returning a few times a day to nurse and relying on the newborn's lack of scent to protect them from predators. Returning mothers that find humans or pets nearby may leave or can become aggressive to defend their offspring from the perceived threat. The mother will return if the young is left alone.

Although these newborns may appear abandoned, it is rarely the case, and if they are removed they will be orphaned. While professional wildlife rehabilitation facilities in some areas of B.C. can successfully rear these newborns, there is no maternal care and their chances of survival are far less than if they had been raised by their true mother.

This is true not just for deer; many mammals leave their young alone for long periods of time, only to return to feed them at regular intervals. So, if you encounter a young deer or calf in the wild at this time of the year, appreciate the experience, but don't approach or intervene.

Quick Facts:

If you find a fawn or calf that you think may be orphaned, here's what you should do:

  • If it is lying quietly, leave it alone and leave the area. Your presence will discourage the mother from returning.
  • Keep all children and especially dogs away from the area.
  • If you think the fawn or calf is not being cared for by its mother, return the next day to check. If it is in the exact same spot, it may be injured or orphaned. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible, but do not touch or move the animal.
  • Do not touch or feed the animal.

Learn More:

To find a wildlife rehabilitator near you, visit the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of British Columbia at: http://www.wrnbc.org/contact/find-a-local-rehabilitator/

Media Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

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