Controversy over the proposed rail trail in Sicamous is heating up, prompting Mayor Colleen Anderson to release a statement about threats and bullying against members of council and the community for their views on the issue.
On Wednesday, Mar. 27, Sicamous RCMP officer Sgt. Murray McNeil spoke at the Committee of the Whole meeting regarding reports of cyberbullying, harassment and threats related to the rail trail decision. Originally, council voted down the Sicamous section of the project, but Anderson exercised her authority to bring it back to the table, which will require another public hearing. That will take place at the Sicamous Seniors Centre on Wednesday, April 10 at 5 p.m., with McNeil confirming there will be an officer in attendance “in anticipation that there will be several people there, and things could get heated.”
He confirmed that he’d be alerted to some online harassment towards members of the public, with Anderson stating that is unacceptable.
“No one deserves to be intimidated or threatened for their personal views. We can be passionate, and we can disagree, but please, let’s be respectful of our neighbours and fellow community members,” she said in the media release. “Being able to debate with others about the issues that are important to us is part of what makes us, us. Causing harm to those whose views don’t align with our own is not.”
Anderson encouraged anyone who is being harassed or threatened, and fears for their safety, to contact the RCMP detachment at 250-836-2878 to report the incident. In cases of cyberbullying, it should be reported to the social media site as they typically have policies against abuse.
“Remember that we all love Sicamous,” she added. “We want our community to be safe.”
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