By Cst. Chris Joy

This past week, June 11, through to June 17th, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 60 calls for service. Here are a few examples of some of the files that were dealt with by our officers this week.

Motorcycle accident in Invermere

On June 11, Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a call about an accident involving a motorcycle and car on 10th Avenue in Invermere. The investigating member determined that the driver of a car who was turning into a parking lot was at fault as they had failed to yield for an oncoming motorcycle. Although there were no serious injuries the driver of the offending vehicle was issued a Violation Ticket for Driving without Consideration.

School buses and stopping

On June 14, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of an older red Ford car failing to stop for a school bus that had its emergency lights and stop sign activated while travelling on Hwy 93/95.

As these incidents have continued the public is reminded that the fine for these occurrences is $368 and with a loss of three demerit points. The public is also reminded that Columbia Valley school buses are equipped with camera systems to identify perpetrators who pass them when stopped. If you do happen to be behind or following a school bus, please be considerate and understand that the drivers of such vehicles will be held accountable in these instances.

Horses, a steer and the usual deer

During the previous week Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a number of different reports of both wild and domesticated farm animals running on Hwy 95/93 in the Columbia Valley.

On one occasion RCMP members responded to calls of horses running on the highway while on another occasion a report was received that there was a steer running in the middle of the highway near Windermere. Although these reports aren’t typically received every day in the valley the RCMP does receive almost daily reports of vehicle versus deer/elk and bear strikes on Hwy 93/95 between Edgewater and Canal Flats.

Close attention should be paid while driving on Hwy 93/95 during dusk and night hours as animals can be very difficult to see during these times. It should be noted as well that much of Westside Road located on the western side of the valley is considered open range and drivers are very likely to encounter cattle anywhere on this road.

Late night bear spraying

In the early morning hours of June 13 Columbia Valley RCMP responded to an anonymous report that a number of people had been bear sprayed in Fairmont Hot Springs and that there was an ongoing fight in the street.

RCMP members responded immediately to the report and once on scene determined that a lone male had been responsible for the incident and that he had fled into a wooded area. RCMP Police Dog Services attended the area and conducted a search and the male was eventually located back at his residence. The male was arrested, held in custody for the remainder of the day and eventually released on a recognizance to appear in court at a later date.

Hit and run in Fairmont Hot Springs

On June 13, Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of a hit and run in Fairmont Hot Springs where a white Dodge Ram drove into the side of a parked camper. The driver and the passengers of the truck fled from the scene on foot leaving their truck behind. If you have information identifying the driver or occupants of this truck, please contact the Columbia Valley RCMP.

No major incidents at community events

This past weekend Panorama, Fairmont Resort and Radium Hot Springs all held events that brought a number of guests to the Columbia Valley. Aside from a few traffic complaints and liquor infractions all events took place without major incident.

– Cst. Chris Joy is a member of the Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment

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