The City of Campbell River’s decision to cancel a talk at the community centre is causing a stir.
Last night’s “Forests: A Climate for Change” presentation by the Sierra Club Wilderness committee was shut down last minute.
The City pulled the plug “based on the strong potential for highly-charged emotion and the lack of time to establish a security plan.”
The potential security issue was caused by the fact that a number of people employed in the logging industry had planned a rally at the talk.
Campbell River’s general manager of community development, Ron Bowles, said the cancellation was based on recommendations from the RCMP.
“We found out the same day that a large number of people were planning to attend and rally. After talking with the RCMP, we determined that, on such short notice, we could not provide appropriate security to ensure a safe and respectful event,” Bowles said.
“We recognize that many people had good intentions for the event last night and are upset that it was cancelled. For them, this was an unpopular decision, but our first duty is public safety.”
A re-scheduled presentation at City facilities is in the works for the near future.
