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
"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 BondIt 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
]]>Tunkwa, Six Mile and Cherry Creek grassland ecosystems remain closed year-round to off-road vehicles and to camping.
The closure came into effect April 13, 2012, to protect sensitive grasslands and riparian ecosystems in the Thompson Rivers District. The closure is authorized under Section 58 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.
In addition, the Logan Lake ski trails remain closed to vehicles.
Recreational users also should be aware of restrictions to public use on grazing leases. Motorized vehicle and bicycle access off the main roads of grazing leases is restricted to signed, designated trails only.
The Noble and Barnhartvale grazing leases are of particular concern with increased motorbike and all-terrain vehicle use, large amounts of garbage being left behind and damage to the environment. Under the Trespass Act, unauthorized use may result in a maximum penalty of $2,000 or six months in jail.
Camping is prohibited on grazing leases. The Province encourages the public to use designated camping facilities. The Thompson Rivers District has many campsites, both public and private, offering a range of amenities and services.
These closures and restrictions are in place to prevent further environmental damage, such as soil disturbance and introduction of invasive weed species.
Where grasslands are open to vehicle access, users are reminded to practise responsible riding and recreation to ensure these areas remain popular tourist destinations for future generations.
Learn More:
Tunkwa-Duffy area closure information and maps: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/about/tunkwa-duffy-orv-riding.aspx
To find a recreation site near you: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Contact:
Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
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Provincial officials step up their patrols in May every year, especially on holiday long weekends.
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
Campfire safety
Off-road vehicles
Fishing
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
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The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations operates Nicola Lake dam and regulates the water levels on Nicola Lake. To create space in Nicola Lake from snowmelt and precipitation, the ministry has been releasing higher than normal rates of water from Nicola Lake dam into the Nicola River, which flows through Merritt and Lower Nicola.
Because inflows to Nicola Lake are higher than the controlled outflows, Nicola Lake is expected to keep rising for the next seven to 10 days. Flows in Nicola River are expected to rise and remain high for at least two to three weeks.
Residents next to the lake should expect some shoreline flooding. The public is advised to prepare for possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other assets from these areas to higher ground, where possible.
During periods of high flow, river banks may be unstable and more prone to sudden collapse. The public is advised to stay well away from the banks of fast flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges. Young children and pets can be at particular risk during this period.
Although the ministry is actively managing Nicola Lake Dam to minimize negative impacts both upstream and downstream of the dam, residents should be aware that unforeseen adverse weather conditions may affect water levels and flow forecasts, and result in some degree of flooding along the length of the river.
For more information on flood prevention and flood response, visit: http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/floods/preparedness.html
Contact:
Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
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
They were Tracy Nichol, aged 45, and Christian Robert Tallick, aged 15, both residing in Anglemont, near Chase.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.
The families of both deceased persons have been notified of the deaths. 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:
Larry Marzinzik
Regional Coroner, Interior Region
BC Coroners Service
250 861-7429
They were Trevor Norman, aged 49, and his daughter Zarah, aged 10. The family resides in North Vancouver.
The two were on a weekend skiing and snow-camping trip near Blackcomb Mountain, and had set up their tent-camp at the base of a 20-metre rock face on the evening of May 11. A family member reported them missing when they had not checked in as planned on May 12.
A search was launched, and they were located at the campsite on May 13. Both were deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation shows they were struck by a large boulder that had dislodged from the rock face above and landed on their tent.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.
The family of Trevor and Zarah Norman have been notified of their deaths. 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 the family and friends of Trevor and Zarah Norman, and its thanks to the Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Patrol and Whistler RCMP, as well as the search-and-rescue and helicopter teams from Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton and Lions Bay for their assistance with this most tragic case.
For further information, please contact:
Barb McLintock
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253
He was Herbert Edwin Rachel, aged 72, of Wildwood, Alberta, a small community about 112 kilometres west of Edmonton.
Mr. Rachel was the driver of a car which was involved in a collision with another vehicle at the intersection of the Trans Canada Highway and Holman Road in Kamloops about 10 a.m. on May 10.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP Traffic Services continue to investigate this death.
The family of Mr. Rachel 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:
Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253
He was Clinton Bradley Albert Schoening, aged 34, a resident of West Kelowna.
Mr. Schoening was the operator of a motorcycle, which was proceeding northbound on Lakeside Road in Penticton, in the late evening hours of May 11. An RCMP officer proceeding in the opposite direction noticed the motorcycle, activated the cruiser's emergency equipment and turned around to follow it.
Some distance further down the road, the motorcycle left the road and hit a road sign. Mr. Schoening was deceased at the scene.
The BC Coroners Service and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) continue to investigate the circumstances of this death.
The family of Mr. Schoening 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:
Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253
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.
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
This prohibition applies to all areas of the Kamloops Fire Centre except the Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones.
The Clearwater Fire Zone and the Salmon Arm Fire Zone will become subject to this prohibition on June 15, 2013, when all open burning will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Since April 1, Kamloops Fire Centre crews have responded to 43 human-caused wildfires, the largest of which has grown to about 1,400 hectares in size. Many of these fires resulted from poorly planned open burning.
Anyone conducting Category 2 or 3 fires outside of those two zones must extinguish any such fires by noon on May 15. This prohibition will remain in effect until Oct. 15, 2013 or until further notice.
A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/kewIE
Specifically, prohibited activities include:
This prohibition does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide (or smaller) and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.
This prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but it does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Before lighting any fire, residents should check with local civic authorities regarding any current prohibitions.
The Kamloops Fire Centre stretches from the northern border of Wells Gray Park near Blue River to the U.S. border to the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Gold Bridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby.
For information about open burning and for more tips on making responsible burning decisions, please download one of the guides to open burning at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, dial *5555 on a cellphone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca
You can follow the latest wildfire news -
On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Media Contact:
Kayla Pepper
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5530
Kayla.Pepper@gov.bc.ca
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In the Vanderhoof area, Grizzly Lake and Woodcock Lake recreation sites, located at 23 km and 25 km on Grizzly Forest Service Road, are closed until further notice due to overly saturated access roads, making both unusable.
In the Fort St. James area, Great Beaver Lake Recreation Site, located at 444 km on Teardrop Forest Service Road, is accessible only from the west (Fort St. James) due to a washout at 450 km. Access from Prince George is not available at this time.
Recreational users, particularly users pulling large trailers, should be aware that turnaround space may be limited at the closure locations.
There are numerous recreation sites in these areas where access has not been affected, including Graveyard Lake and Tory Lake recreation sites in the vicinity of the Grizzly and Cobb forest service roads and Teardrop Lake and Tureen Lake recreation sites on the Prince George side of the washout on Teardrop Lake Forest Service Road.
For more information and updates, call 250 567-6416 or check the Recreation Sites and Trails BC website at: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca
Contact:
Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
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They are: Michael Spencer, aged 24, from Sicamous and Christopher Thomas Boman, aged 24, of Salmon Arm.
Mr. Spencer was the driver of, and Mr. Boman the front-seat passenger in, a pickup truck, which was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer on Highway 1 in the Hoffman's Bluffs area west of Chase shortly after 9 p.m. on May 6. Both men were deceased at the scene.
The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.
The families of Mr. Spencer and Mr. Boman have been notified of their deaths. 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:
Larry Marzinzik
Regional Coroner, Interior Region
BC Coroners Service
250 861-7429
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued Streamflow Advisory for the Okanagan, Similkameen, Boundary and Kootenay regions, as well as the Thompson Region.
Residents, recreationalists and visitors to these regions are urged to use extreme caution on or near all waterways. Flood waters can be fast-rising and fast-moving, carry large debris and make shorelines unstable. People are asked to stay away from the water's edge where increased flood risks have been identified and to provide special care for the safety of children and pets along rivers and creeks that can prove unpredictably dangerous.
People should take the following precautions:
Emergency Management BC works year-round with local governments to prepare for emergencies. To report severe flooding in your area, contact your local authority. Listings can be found in the blue pages of the phone book.
For more information on how you and your family can get prepared, or to monitor emergency alerts and advisories in the province, visit: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
For additional information about streamflows, please refer to the B.C. River Forecast Centre's webpage at: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961