Sergeant Dave Clare of the local detachment of the RCMP presented the first quarter crime/policing report for the 2011 year. While the fluctuations in crime have been minimal in the past three months, Clare was somewhat frustrated by the results of one arrest of "two prolific offenders with long criminal records" who were detained near the entrance to Compliance Coal Mine. The criminals are known methamphetamine addicts from the Lower Mainland believed to be involved in many crimes in the area including thefts of property at East Gate, Copper Mountain Mining and Tulameen. The criminals were caught with tools used for the purposes of crime. Crown Counsel dropped the charges against the two career criminals in spite of the plea of Clare.
The Princeton detachment is still investigating a break and enter offence at the Brown Bridge Pub. Assaults are down for the first quarter, but theft from vehicle is up. On a positive note, Clare reported, "one drug dealer has left town." Clare also, reported a grow-op bust on Old Hedley Rd. with strong connections to cross-border smuggling.
During the rodeo weekend, Clare reported that drivers were well-behaved with only two drivers charged for impaired driving. Three immediate roadside suspensions were given out, nineteen speeding tickets, two seat belt violations, three motor vehicle prohibitions and twenty-nine written warnings.
"We really appreciate your engagement with the community," stated Mayor Randy McLean, "and all your hard work and we understand how just one bad apple can skew the crime stats in a small town."
Councillor Marilyn Harkness added, "your work is very important. Keep up the great work."
The construction project at 235 Burton Avenue applied for a parking variance from 77 to 50 parking spaces. Harkness stated, "we seem to have a lot of parking variance requests. We really need to review our parking by-laws."
Culture and Recreation Director Lyle Thomas reported on the progress of the approved GamesTown projects. "The playground equipment in the Lion's Park is all in place and installed and there are lots of kids on it every time I go by. The lighting on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is installed and all running now from bridge to bridge and it looks awesome."
Thomas reported on the Aquatic Centre Committee meetings and stated that Tanya ter Keurs who has taken on the role of spokesperson for the group has a Facebook page called Pool for Princeton going which presently has 253 members. "It's becoming very popular," noted Thomas "and is helping us to get the word out to the public."
Councillor Frank Armitage praised the cast and supporting crew of the play Hansel and Gretel. "The kids did a tremendous job. There was a lot of effort put into the production and it was nice to see that even the behind the scenes kids were recognized."
Armitage said, "it was great to see the tribute to Stan Thompson at the rodeo over the weekend. He is a good man and it was well deserved."
On the May 3, Armitage participated in the Mining Day events. "It was a fun day." Armitage was a dealer at the evening casino fundraiser and added, "I had a fun evening and it seemed like everyone was really enjoying themselves. It was nice to see the funds raised for the museum."
Councillor Jason Earle attended the Highland Dancers Spring Fling and stated, "it was a really nice afternoon of entertainment. The girls did a great job." Earle also noted that "the new playground equipment was being well used." An upcoming outdoor ball hockey tournament at the Brown Bridge Pub was also mentioned by Earle.
Councillor Marilyn Harkness gave the health report. "Dr. Smith is reducing his on-call hours," stated Harkness. "He will only be taking calls from 8 a.m. until midnight. There will be no coverage from midnight to 8 a.m. when he is the one on call."
On a better note, Harkness said that "Dr. Smith has a possible female physician willing to come to town, but that she wants to come to a community with a pool."
Mayor McLean stated, "we are a growing community and we need to aim for on call coverage 24/7."
Harkness stated, "We have every intention of continuing our recruitment for health care workers."
During the question period Chief Administration Officer Patrick Robins stated that, "we are discussing options for the replacement of the zigzag walkway."