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Year in review - top 2014 stories

No criminal charges against Babine Forest Products - Jan. 15, 2014
Year in review - top 2014 stories
Cold Smoke 2014 sled drag race action - Feb. 5

No criminal charges against Babine Forest Products - Jan. 15, 2014

Representatives from the B.C. ministry of justice and WorkSafe BC were in Burns Lake on Jan. 10, 2014 to announce to workers and family members the long-awaited conclusion of Crown Council’s investigation into the 2012 mill explosion at Babine Forest Products (BFP) sawmill near Burns Lake.

Criminal Justice Branch communications counsel Neil MacKenzie said, “The crown has concluded there will not be any charges approved against Babine Forest Products in relation to the explosion and fire in January 2012.”

The Jan. 20, 2012 mill explosion killed two workers and injured many more.

“The meeting today in Burns Lake was with affected workers and family members to inform them of the decision,” MacKenzie added.

A written statement provided by the ministry of justice said the ministry did not believe charges related to the violations identified by WorkSafe BC would lead to a criminal conviction.

Enbridge question remains unanswered with village council - Feb. 12, 2014

Few topics will pack council chambers in Burns Lake like Enbridge Northern Gateway.

Other municipalities and First Nations throughout the Northwest have taken formal positions on Enbridge Northern Gateway, and VBL council has in the past felt pressure from within its ranks well as from concerned area residents to take a formal position on the project, either for or against it.

Two municipalities stand out for their stated neutrality on the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline proposal.

Village of Burns Lake council and Village of Kitimat council had both independently agreed to wait until after the recommendations of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Joint Review Panel (JRP) had been released before taking a position on the issue. Both councils supported the process; neither wanted to preclude the work of the JRP panel.

New proposed marijuana grow op in Topley attracts controversy - March 26, 2014

Controversy of  the new proposed Topley grow op saw over 100 people pack into the Topley community hall last Monday.

Previously Alexander Mark Roberts, chief operating officer of K Town Medical Growers (KTMG), made a proposal to the RDBN.

“We’re looking at employing 80 people to start, at $20/hr plus benefits,” Roberts said at a Feb. 17, 2014 Regional District of Bulkley Nechako public meeting.

The RDBN public hearing in Burns Lake was called as part of the zoning bylaw amendment process. The RDBN is amending zoning definitions to account for the possibility of medical marijuana production facilities within the region.

A panel of representatives from the RDBN, School District 91, K Town Medical Growers and the Houston RCMP were on hand to answer questions Monday night.