A train derailed near Birken on Monday, Sept. 4, sending several cars into the waters of Gates Lake, roughly 30 kilometres northeast of Pemberton. The cars were carrying lumber and pulp.
A spokesperson for CN Rail said the investigation has not yet determined the cause of the derailment, but according to Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) emergency manager Ryan Wainwright, “Anecdotally, it was probably a track issue.”
RCMP also attended the scene but are not investigating.
- Brandon Barrett
Break-and-enter in Whistler Cay Heights
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, Whistler RCMP received a report that two bikes and several household items were stolen from an Eagle Drive home.
And the following day, RCMP received a complaint of a break-and-enter that occurred the night prior. Police are still investigating.
Impaired drivers busted over long weekend
On Sunday, Sept. 2, Whistler RCMP impounded a man’s car and gave him a 90-day driving suspension for impaired driving. The man had been doing donuts in a parking lot and was pulled over in Function Junction.
Three days earlier, on Thursday, Aug. 31, RCMP stopped a driver on Highway 99 who showed signs of impairment.
The man refused to submit to a breathalyzer. He will appear in court in October.
"If you don't blow it's a strict liability offence,” said Whistler RCMP Sgt. Rob Knapton. “Not blowing is an offence and (that has) the same punishment if you blow and you blow over. My take on it is blow. If you're over, you’re still over. And if you're not, then you've saved yourself the potential for the charge."
Bait bike success continues
On Thursday, Aug. 31, Whistler RCMP intercepted three people with stolen bait bikes. The RCMP will be recommending charges of theft and possession of stolen property against a 23-year-old woman from Chilliwack, a 39-year-old man from Vancouver, and a 30-year-old man from 100 Mile House.
The RCMP also recovered an additional bike believed to be stolen.
“The Whistler RCMP is very pleased with the success of the bait bike program and the support from the Resort Municipality of Whistler and local bike shops,” said Cpl. Diane Blain in an e-mailed statement.
On Sunday Aug. 27, RCMP arrested a “prolific” bike thief using a bait bike strategically placed along Northlands Boulevard. The 43-year-old man faces possible charges of theft, possession of stolen property, and the possession of break-in tools.
