Snake eyes Pro wrestler visiting Nanaimo to share stories about the good ol’ days.
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www.nanaimobulletin.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015
VOL. 27, NO. 54
New NDSS tops board’s priorities
Pot dispensaries advised by RCMP to close up shop
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By Tamara Cunningham ThE NEwS BULLETiN
ers and customers met Thursday evening to explore next steps, with some suggesting a united front, an appeal to licensed patients to speak on the behalf of dispensaries and to write Nanaimo city council. The group planned to attend a council meeting Monday and will
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hold a rally at city hall Wednesday (Nov. 18). “I haven’t stopped crying all day,” said Brandy Cavanagh, general manager of Mid-Island Health and Wellness Association, who says it’s like closing a pharmacy because people rely on the dispensary that much. See ‘POT’ /3
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Brandy Cavanagh, general manager of Mid-Island Health and Wellness Association, is upset after receiving written notice from the RCMP last Thursday that her marijuana dispensary has seven days to suspend operations.
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A new Nanaimo District Secondary School, a larger Hammond Bay Elementar y gym and Harewood school demolition are the top three priorities in Nanaimo school district’s current five-year capital plan. B.C.’s Ministry of Education requires school boards to submit fiveyear plans annually, providing information on priority projects. Trustees approved the 2015-16 plan at a meeting Nov. 4, with potential projects totalling $122 million. According to Pete Sabo, school district director of planning and operations, money hasn’t been allocated, rather the district has requested project funding from the ministry in specific years for those amounts. The district requested $66.5 million for a new school on the Nanaimo District Secondary site in 2017-18, with capacity increasing to 1,800. Sabo said the request doesn’t mean construction for a new high school will occur in 2018.
TAMARA CUNNINGHAM/THe News BUlleTIN
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By KarL yu ThE NEwS BULLETiN
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Medical marijuana dispensary managers plan a united front and appeals to government in the wake of an ultimatum from the Nanaimo RCMP to shut down shop or face arrests. The Nanaimo RCMP put 10 medical marijuana dispensaries on notice Thursday that they had seven days to stop the sale of marijuana and marijuana derivatives or they could be subject to police enforcement. Medical marijuana shops have been growing in number in Nanaimo, selling bud, tinctures and marijuana-infused brownies. Written notice, given to dispensaries by the RCMP, advises the establishments that they are operating illegally and are trafficking cannabis contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and operating outside of Health Canada regulations. If the pot shops don’t close, they will be subject to enforcement that includes arrests of employees and patrons, seizure of “offence-related” property and criminal prosecutions. The recent police action is related to an ongoing commitment to public safety, according to an e-mail response from Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O’Brien. It’s important the RCMP’s position is made “very clear,” and police have notified businesses in person of the ramifications if illegal activity is detected, he said. Medical marijuana dispensary managers say they were crushed and blindsided by the notice. Dispensary representatives, suppli-
SCHOOL BOARD approves five-year capital plan.
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“A number of studies, discussions and determinations will be required to determine if and when the ministry may consider approving a project at NDSS,” Sabo said in an e-mail. Demolition of the old Harewood Elementary School, ranked third in priority, was requested in 2015-16 in the amount of $589,000. A timeline would be established if ministry approval is given, according to Sabo. The school was shuttered in 2004. Sabo said it is past its useful life and requires demolition in the near future. “It has now been closed for over 10 years and the district has determined there would be no future use in its current condition,” said Sabo. “Roof leaks have further deteriorated its condition. It is becoming a candidate for removal.” During budget consultation in March, parents expressed concerns about Hammond Bay Elementary’s half-sized gym, saying its maximum capacity is 312, less than the school’s enrolment. The gym project was prioritized No. 2, with a request for $853,551 in 2017-18. Sabo said the plan is subject to change. reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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