Dear Canimites,
I’ve given up predicting what the weather will do next.
I know only two things for sure: we won’t be swimming for at least a month, and one way or another, the folks near Hinterland Road will be out ice fishing very soon.
Grow-ops
Marijuana grow-ops in our region are becoming more numerous, are growing in size and sophistication, are increasingly linked with organized crime, and have serious negative effects on our community.
That was the message delivered by 100 Mile House RCMP Sgt. Don McLean, as he spoke with 27 members of the Community Club on Jan. 19. Prior to June 2010, members of the 100 Mile detachment had conducted 57 searches resulting in 65,000 plants and 435 pounds of marijuana being seized.
McLean explained that experience has shown that property values are deflated when grow-ops are discovered. That lowers the tax base and squeezes the revenue needed for essential services.
Marijuana operations also bring criminals into the community who present a danger. Environmental issues, such as contamination of water supplies and increased fire risk, are common.
As a result, marijuana “grows” weaken the community. Although the RCMP have a critical role to play, it is important that residents not become complacent or accepting.
McLean’s purpose was to alert people to the seriousness of the issue and to provide the background needed for combined action. A number of promising ideas were discussed by those present.
It is possible the Community Club will take the initiative in the future.
If a resident is concerned about a suspected grow operation, the proper course is to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Callers remain anonymous.
Cougars return
As winter deepens, the area’s resident cougars are on the prowl, sometimes in unwanted places.
Gerhard Loeffeler of Harriman Road had a medium-sized cougar approach within five metres of his house and stare in a window. When Gerhard moved inside, the cat made a bee-line for the bush, back out the deer trail it had come in on.
The animal returned two days later to check the yard again. Gerhard says he believes that in the course of the cat’s hunt for deer, it zoned in on the prospect of the family’s dogs as easier prey.
Cliff and Jean Robertson lost a Cairn terrier to a cougar on their Tripp Road property. Cliff says a yearling moose and a deer were also killed nearby, and that the big cats now seem to be zoning in on their livestock. There is more than one cat in that area.
Conservation officers have been consulted and are advising in both cases. Residents should call the CO if unnatural cougar behaviour is seen, and should remain alert to the presence of these animals and take precautions with pets.
As Cliff says, “If your dog is barking in the night, it probably isn’t at the moon.”
People news
• Garry and Lynne Baker are thrilled by the arrival of their first great-grandchild, Aleah Rose, on Jan. 4. She is the eight-pound daughter of Laura and Piet John of Lantzville. Laura’s mom is Joanne Byres, Garry and Lynne’s daughter.
• In a feat unknown in the annals of Canim Cribbage, Doug McGregor scored perfect rounds on two successive weeks. Time will tell whether fickle fate favours this worthy stalwart yet again.
• Don’t miss the Community Dinner coming up Friday (Jan. 28) at the Blue Sky Restaurant at 6 p.m. For information, call Jean Reynolds at 250-397-2773.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.
