Tuesday January 29, 2013 (Vol. 38 No. 9)
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Peace by piece: South Surrey’s Amie Pendleton-Knoll isn’t letting her fear of snakes stop her from lending a hand in Malawi for the next two years, as a volunteer with the Peace Corps. › see page 11
Fallout continues after rejection of South Surrey Entertainment Centre
Casino hearing ‘not a legal process’ ■ Minister justifies phone calls ■ Premier supports Coleman ■ Mayor slams head of BCLC ■ ‘Pro’ councillors defend vote Alex Browne Staff Reporter
File photo
Rich Coleman, B.C.’s minister responsible for gaming, responds to criticisms that he called councillors during a public-hearing process.
Rich Coleman, BC Liberal minister responsible for gaming, says the hearing conducted by Surrey into the Gateway Casinos project’s gaming licence was not a public hearing in a strict sense and had no legal process around it. Coleman, still facing a chorus of disapproval – including jabs from the NDP, BC Conservatives and online commenters – over perceived interference in the failed proposal, which he had supported, said Monday that it was time to move on. “At the end of it, there may have been some things said emotionally by some folks who worked on both sides of this thing, and people just have to let it settle down,” he said. Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts acknowledged Monday that the hearing was a public information meeting in the form of a public hearing, and not subject to the same legislated legal strictures as a land-use public hearing. But because it functioned in the same way in providing public input for the decision, outside intervention should have been avoided “out of respect for the entire process,” she said. “When you’re the regulator, there’s a fine line to walk,” she said. “People have to be very careful in making sure it’s an open and transparent process.” › see page 4
Surrey’s fifth killing in a month
Homicide victim found by Colebrook Road ditch Kevin Diakiw Black Press
Evan Seal photo
RCMP officers secure the scene where a body was found Monday.
What’s your New Year’s resolution? How about eating more fruits and veggies?
See page 5 For more information, please visit www.kinsfarmmarket.com/greenfighters
Police are investigating another suspicious death after the body of a man was found near a ditch in South Surrey. The discovery was made around 9:30 a.m. Monday, in the 12300block of Colebrook Road, just north of Highway 99. Cpl. Adam MacIntosh, with the Integrated Homicide Investigation
Team (IHIT), confirmed the unit has taken custody of the case, but said he had no more information at Peace Arch News press time Monday afternoon. It was unclear if the victim found Monday was targeted. “We are in the early stages of this investigation and we are working to find out if this latest homicide is related to gang activity,” MacIntosh said.
BORDER GOLD CORP.
The killing is Surrey’s fifth in a month. Police have confirmed at least two of the previous deaths were gang-related. Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tipline at 1-877-551-IHIT(4448) or email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca To remain anonymous, log onto Crime Stoppers at solvecrime.ca or call 1-800-222-8477.