MLA calls for investigation changes
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons is calling on the BC Government to expand the powers of the province’s law enforcement watchdog to speed up its investigations.
After 27 months, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) investigation into Sechelt resident Myles Gray’s August 2015 death remains unresolved.
Gray died after a confrontation with as many as eight Vancouver Police Department officers. Autopsy results released October 12 show Gray suffered multiple injuries. He was unarmed and officers were the only witnesses.
IIO filed a petition in BC Supreme Court on October 12 to have one officer sit for a second interview. The petition outlines challenges the IIO has faced in gaining police cooperation.
Vancouver Police Union issued a statement stating the delays result from the IIO’s “deficiencies as an investigative body,” that affect public confidence in law enforcement and hold police officers “unnecessarily under a cloud of suspicion.”
City monitors fireworks
As Halloween approaches, City of Powell River is asking the public to be mindful of regulations for buying and setting off fireworks. The city has already received a number of complaints about local businesses selling fireworks.
A city bylaw permits the sale of fireworks between October 24 and 31 of each year.
Setting off fireworks is permitted only on private property. Complaints brought forward will be dealt with by police, fire department and city bylaw enforcement.
