Now that it’s nice out, thinking about getting out and doing some shooting? The RCMP would like to remind you that pointing or shooting a firearm at or near a structure—occupied or not—is not only a safety concern but a Criminal Code offence. This could result in charges, jail time, fines and firearms prohibition.
That’s what happened on Tuesday, April 14, when the Tumbler Ridge RCMP responded to reports of people shooting up by the Quality Wind Project.
An unspecified number of individuals were up near one of the towers, shooting weapons. A pair of contractors were working in the tower at the time, while a third was driving nearby. Concerned, as the shots were fired so close to the turbines, they reported the incident to the RCMP.
No one was injured and the individuals responsible for shooting the firearm have been identified and have been dealt with as appropriate, says Detachment Commander Sgt. James Fayle.
“There could also be civil implications with the individuals responsible being required to replace damaged equipment that could be cost thousands of dollars,” he says.
According to a Capital Power representative, there are frequently crews driving nearby, parked on the access roads or working in or near the wind turbines at any time day or night, weekday or weekend. “Their safety onsite is our top priority,” she says. “Our wind turbines are operated safely and responsibly by professionals. These wind turbines are active, power generation equipment and we ask the public to respectfully keep a safe distance from them and exercise the utmost caution when hunting or shooting near our site. Please stay aware of your surroundings when using firearms and we can all help keep each other safe.”
Should you have any questions, concerns or wish to report a crime please contact the Tumbler Ridge RCMP Detachment at 250-242-5252.
