InteriorNEWS THE
108th Year - Week 48 •
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
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Festive spirit was in abundance at the Christmas in the Valley celebration last Friday night, with wagon rides, carols and an appearance by Santa. More photos, page A12. Alicia Bridges photo
Hwy 16 transport plan Downtown crime spree By Alicia Bridges Smithers/Interior News
The Ministry of Transportation is working on a provincial strategy to improve transportation and safety along Highway 16 after First Nations and government leaders met at a forum in Smithers last week. About 90 people attended the day-long symposium co-hosted by the Ministry and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). According to the Ministry, its goal was to address transportation challenges and find ways to improve services along Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Prince George. A Ministry spokesperson said input from the forum would be incorporated into a plan being prepared for Transportation Minister Todd Stone, who was not at the meeting but promised to “turn discussions into action” in a statement. “The action plan will identify solutions to provide safe, practical and sustainable transportation services for communities along
the Highway 16 corridor as quickly as possible,” said the spokesperson. Stone told The Canadian Press some of the options being considered were volunteerdriven vans linking First Nations reserves and communities, improving current transit schedules and expanding the use of existing medical transportation. A meeting for families of missing and murdered aboriginal women is also being planned for early 2016. “This family gathering will provide a safe and supportive environment for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women to heal together by sharing their stories and their collective strength,” said the spokesperson. “The family gathering will also be a forum where people can come together to look for – and identify – solutions.” At least 18 women have been murdered or gone missing along 700-kilometre stretch of highway, which has become known as the Highway of Tears. See OPTIONS on A4
prompts more patrols
By Alicia Bridges Smithers/Interior News
Smithers RCMP has permanently ramped up its patrols of the Main Street area amid calls for increased security after seven downtown businesses were broken into overnight on Nov. 23. Forensics officers from Terrace were in Smithers last Monday looking for evidence in seven thefts and two attempts to break into local businesses the night before. Police believe the crimes were committed by a transient male looking for cash. A suspect was arrested in Whitehorse, Yukon, on Nov. 27 after five businesses were broken into there. Smithers RCMP Staff Sergeant
Rob Mitchell said he would be interviewed in relation to the Smithers offences. He said the man is also a suspect in a series of similar break-ins in Prince Rupert. The detachment has permanently bumped up the frequency of its night patrols of the area in response to the crimes. Sgt. Mitchell said his detachment had always conducted periodic patrols of the area. “We have already implemented a policy of more regular, more frequent patrols, which were already underway, but we have ramped them up in light of the most recent rash of break and enters,” he said. See RCMP on A8
edwards named local legend Rick Edwards earns recognition for Hudson Bay Mountain involvement.
changing of the guide dog guard Smithers man Sieghard Weitzel welcomes new guide dog, Radar.
sunny hill to the rescue Telkwa woman does all she can to re-home unwanted horses, feral cats.
NEWS/A9
COMMUNITY/B1
OUR TOWN/B7
Enter into our 12 Days of Christmas Draw. You could win a GIANT pallet of groceries! No purchase necessary, limit one entry per visit. If you make a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital, we’ll give you an extra entry! Final Day to enter is Dec. 22 and the draw date is Dec. 23.