Comox Valley Echo - October 24, 2014

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Volume 20, No. 85

Apartment project gets green light After a lengthy process, developer is happy a resolution has been reached By Michael Briones Echo staff

Scott Polson has a tattoo which honours fallen soldiers.

Valley soldiers head to war with ISIS Local humanitarian effort to help refugees kicks into high gear By Drew A. Penner Echo Staff A 19 Wing airman arrived at the liquor store with a buddy on what seemed like an ordinary night. But instead of grabbing beers like usual, he opted for scotch whiskey. After all, he had just learned he was going to war the next day. As Comox Valley military members are quietly being tasked to duties as part of Canada’s anti-ISIS strategy the community is beginning to contemplate what exactly we’ve signed up for. In the past month families have been preparing to send loved ones off to participate in the multi-nation response to a threat that’s hard to put your finger on. Some have already received word they will now be serving their country from a base in Kuwait. Others aren’t expecting to hear until late this week. Some are even being told they might end up staying more than the minimum six-month commitment. More than 200 Comox Valley residents served in the War in Afghanistan and many are taking stock of their own experiences while processing Canada’s latest foray into a new war with Islamic extremists. Ret. Warrant Officer Scott Polson is still recovering from two tours overseas, fighting an almost invisible enemy. Over his career the Comox resident spent 12 years in the armoured corps and 13 years as a military engineer. (Continued on page 4)

A multi-million dollar development of new rental apartment alongside the Courtenay River Estuary finally got the endorsement it needed from Courtenay council. After a year of waiting, that included delays that led frustrated Brett Giese, president of Crowne Pacific Development Corp., at one point to give up on the project, a development permit will be issued for the 94-unit “Acadia on the Walk’ project. “I am happy to see that we’ve come to a resolution,” said Giese. “It’s been a long-time coming. “We did give up on it because there just seemed like there was no direction. Our consultant has explored all avenues around the issues that have been presented and we didn’t have anything more to offer. So we left it in staff hands to come back to us with what they’re willing to accept. They might see a solution to move us forward. They kind of stepped up to that challenge.” Chief Administrative Officer David Allen told council at Monday’s regular meeting, the project has had some major hurdles, particularly the intersection design. He commended the work of the city engineers and consultants that assisted in getting the project going. “We think we’ve come up with a livable design that is safe for its intended purpose,” said Allen. The project is located at the south end of the city on Anfield Road, running parallel to Cliffe Avenue. Staff determined that the current Sandpiper/Anfield intersection and the Cliffe/Anfield intersection, located near the proposed building site, do not meet city standards and to avoid possible traffic conflicts in the future, it requested the developer to come up with a solution. “It’s been livable so far because there’s only four houses on that road [Sandpiper], so really it’s a driveway,” said Giese. (Continued on page 2)

Dr. Saren Azer looks at photos of refugees displaced by the fighting in Iraq and Syria.

One of the apartment blocks planned for south Courtenay

Comox base, airport, RCMP heighten security after shooting By Michael Briones Echo Staff CFB Comox has heightened security in light of the shooting incident that occurred at Parliament Hill on Wednesday. Captain Trevor Reid, public affairs officer at 19 Wing, indicated that added precautions have been made but could not give any specific details. But on Wednesday, just before entering the base, there is now a sign that says “100 percent ID CHK” and security at the gate has been beefed up. The Comox Valley Airport too has increased security vigilance as instructed by Transport Canada. “This includes heightened awareness of any suspicious activities or

Military Police took over ID checks at 19 Wing’s main gate (Photo: CHEK News) behaviours within the terminal building,” said airport CEO, Fred Bigelow. “We will be prepared to react as required, pending any further direc-

tives from Transport Canada.” Comox Valley RCMP are keeping their guards up. As well, they are advising the community to be extra

vigilant. “We, along with law enforcement partners, are continually assessing potential threats in British Columbia and adjusting to the needs accordingly,” said Don Sinclair, media liaison officer. “And we take reports of violence and threats here seriously and will be responding accordingly. “As part of our regular duties, we work with community groups to identify potential threats. Although there have been no identified threats, we encourage everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police department.” A soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning was shot by a man with a rifle, who then went on to seize a car and drove it to the

doors of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block. Around 30 to 50 shots were reported fired inside Parliament. The masked gunman was stopped after he shot dead inside the building by the House of Commons sergeant-at-arms. Two others were injured in the attack, one of them a security guard at Parliament’s Centre Block. Both are in stable condition. Former 19 Wing commander Jim Benninger, who was at work at the Department of National Defense’s Pearkes Building located across from the Rideau Centre during the incident said they went into lockdown and monitored the situation through their cell phones. (Continued on page 2)

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