DEVELOPER MUST CHECK HISTORY, SAYS PROVINCE
Story by Daily News staff (Kamloops, BC)
May 1, 1995
An Adams Lake developer ordered by the province to have a heritage
assessment conducted on his land said Monday he is willing to allow
three native bands opposed to the development pick the expert to do
the study.
But Kyle Boxrud said he won't pay for it even though he has been
handed a ministerial order to do just that.
The order from Small Business, Tourism and Culture Minister Bill
Barlee stated that the work must be concluded by June 16. Boxrud said
he has already had an archeologist look for potential heritage sites
or artifacts on the land where he plans a 60-unit recreation vehicle
park.
The Adams Lake, Little Shuswap and Neskonlith bands argue that
Boxrud's site on the east side of Adams Lake is rich in archeological
material, from pithouses to burial sites.
Boxrud said Native Affairs officials have suggested an archeologist
acceptable to both the bands and the government could be hired.
"It really doesn't matter to me," he said of that arrangement, adding
"I'm convinced there isn't anything in there," he said.
The inspection must be conducted by a qualified archeological
consultant. The intent is to protect any heritage sites.
Development was halted following a series of incidents between some of
the Boxruds and members of the three bands, which claim ownership of
the only road leading to the site.
The bands set up a blockade on Rawson Road near where the lake drains
into Adams River last month to stop the developer from bringing
construction materials to the site.
Violence flared early this month when Kyle Boxrud is alleged to have
drove a five-ton flatbed truck through the checkpoint, ramming a
pickup truck off the roadway.
Police were called and arrested Boxrud, freeing him after getting an
agreement he would not repeat the action.
A week later angry members of the three bands converged on the Boxrud
site when the developers landed a barge filled with construction
equipment that was floated across the lake to avoid the checkpoint. A
fight ensued and the Boxruds allege they were attacked by about a
dozen natives armed with clubs.
Police are continuing investigations into both incidents. Ken Dennis,
spokesman for the three bands could not be reached for comment.
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