Rescue and enforcement operation underway near Houston, BC
Houston, B.C.
2021-11-18 07:40 PST
A group of protesters opposing the Coastal GasLink project have been blockading outside a worker’s camp on the Morice Forest Service Road near Houston, BC for several days. The RCMP has been called in to assist with the situation as several hundred workers have been illegally blocked in by the protesters, who have also been preventing essential supplies and services into the camp.
Despite repeated attempts by the RCMP to reach a peaceful resolution with the protesters, our efforts have been unsuccessful.
We have serious concerns that a number of individuals from out of province and out of country have been engaging in illegal activities in the area such as falling trees, stealing or vandalizing heavy machinery and equipment, and causing major destruction to the forestry road, all in an effort to prevent industry and police from moving through,
says Chief Superintendent John Brewer, Gold Commander of the Community-Industry Response Group. Our primary focus is on everyone’s safety, particularly the camp workers, who are nearing the end of their essential supplies. We were hoping that a solution would be reached without the need for police enforcement, however, it has become very clear to us that our discretionary period has come to an end and the RCMP must now enforce the orders given by the BC Supreme Court on December 31, 2019. We are now mobilizing our resources for a rescue mission.
Click here for Coastal GasLink’s statement.
Increase in police presence
There is currently a marked increase in police resources in the Houston area to support the operation. More resources can be expected based on operational need.
Access Control Point and road closures
An access control point has been established at the 27.5 kilometre mark of the Morice Forest Service Road to prevent further escalation of the situation and to mitigate safety concerns over hazardous items and trees felled across the roadway. There will be police presence at this location at all times, and anyone requesting to travel through will be assessed based on requirement.
Local residents and traffic
The local residents, media, and the motoring public may be inconvenienced during the injunction enforcement period as pedestrians and vehicles will have limited and controlled access.
Local calls for police service and media contact
Regular calls for service in the Houston area should continue to be directed to the Houston RCMP. Their non-emergency telephone number is 250-845-2204. During an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Media inquiries may be directed to Cpl. Madonna Saunderson or the BC RCMP Communication Services at 778-290-2929 or bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Updates will be provided via the BC RCMP website as and when available.
Released by:
BC RCMP Communication Services
778-290-2929
bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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