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Columbia Valley RCMP Report
By Cpl. Grant Simpson
This past week the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 83 calls for service. Here again is another small sample of some of the calls we responded to throughout the week.
Uninsured parkers handled
On August 17, at 1:55 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to the 4800 block of Stanley Street, Radium Hot Springs for two uninsured vehicles parked in a parking lot near this location. One was a purple 1998 Dodge Stratus as well as a gray 2000 Hyundai Sonata. Police noted that there were no plates and no insurance for either vehicle. The insurance for both vehicles was terminated this year. Police were able to obtain phone numbers for each owner and left messages for both of them advising them that insurance was required on their vehicles to be legally parked in this location, or to they could move their cars to private property with the owner’s permission. Police will monitor this situation.
Trespassing driver warned
On August 18, an employee of Panorama Mountain Village phoned the Columbia Valley RCMP to report a yellow Toyota FJ Cruiser driving in the restricted recreational area of Panorama Mountain.
The vehicle was driving up roads to the top of the mountain in restricted areas where people were mountain biking causing serious concerns for staff. Police located the vehicle in the 9900 block of Wildwood Rd. Police approached and spoke with the driver of the vehicle, who admitted to driving but said that he didn’t know he wasn’t supposed to drive on the mountain, even though he had to pass two clearly marked signs. Police issued the driver a warning but explained that he could be charged with mischief and trespassing and is still facing a possible ban from Panorama Property. The driver apologized and ensured that he would no longer drive on the roads and explained that he received misleading information about being allowed to drive on the roads by staff members.
Invermere crash
On August 20, Columbia Valley RCMP was dispatched to a two vehicle collision at 7th Ave. and 12th St. in Invermere. Police attended and learned that a 19-year-old Calgary male was driving southbound on 7th Ave. in a vehicle bearing Alberta plates when a vehicle driven by an 82-year-old local female bearing B.C. markers was north bound on 7th Ave. turned in front of the young male hitting his vehicle. Both vehicles sustained serious damage even though they were travelling at low speeds. The female driver readily admitted that the collision was her fault and the sun blinded her, causing her to believe that the intersection was clear but obviously did not see the other vehicle. An accident report was completed and provided to both drivers. The female driver was issued a Violation Ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act. Both drivers as well as the male driver’s passenger sustained no injuries and refused EHS. Both vehicles required tows by a local tow company.
Police presence on the lake
On August 21, Columbia Valley RCMP conducted boat patrols on Lake Windermere to ensure vessels on the lake were compliant with the Canada Shipping Act. There were many boats on the lake as it was the beginning of the weekend and the weather was good. Officers checked multiple boats and spoke with many people on the lake. Most people were pleased to see a police presence on the lake. Three written warnings were issued and several verbal warnings were given to boat operators. Overall most people were responsible and operating their boats in a safe and respectful manner.
Thieving joy riders cause damage
On August 22, at 1:30 a.m., 44-year-old Cranbrook female reported that her 2001 Jeep YJ bearing B.C. plates had been stolen from a business located in the 5000 block of Fairmont Resort Road, Fairmont Hot Springs.
Police called the vehicle owner who advised that the Jeep had been located quite close to where it was originally parked at a party they were attending. Police attended this location and spoke with the owner and other witnesses who stated that unknown individuals had taken the jeep for a joy ride on a golf course and were attempting to do ‘doughnuts’; on the grass. An employee changing out sprinklers had noticed the vehicle and told the operator and passenger to leave which they did. The two young men were unknown to everyone at the party and were not located once people went back to look for them. Staff at the golf course will call in the morning if further damage is noted. Staff will also call to advise of an estimate to repair the damage. Patrols were made for unknown 18-19 year old males, one with blonde hair and one with a blue hat but results were negative.
