Live-aboard boat owners say they are being singled out for being poor, a Langford founding father finally gets his grave marked, B.C. Fire Chiefs push for mandatory smoke alarms, and a gym bag full of dynamite washes ashore in View Royal; all stories made headlines in past decadesB次元官网网址� editions of the Goldstream B次元官网网址 Gazette.

2006

The Town of View Royal worries that boats anchored in Esquimalt Harbour that appear rickety and weather beaten, present an environmental and ecological hazard. While the Town hopes the vagabond fleet moves on, four or five people who reside on the boats say their floating homes are sound and suggest they are being targeted for being poor. View Royal however, does not have the jurisdiction to ask them to move on.

Also making news the week of July 8, 2006:

A rash of unattended beach fires at Esquimalt Lagoon prompts the Colwood Fire Department and West Shore RCMP to step up beach patrols over the Canada Day long weekend. Colwood fire chief Russ Cameron says the department attended 10 beach fires that were left burning without supervision.

1996

One of LangfordB次元官网网址檚 founding fathers has laid in an unmarked grave since 1947, but members of the Royal Canadian Legion are going to rectify that. The Prince Edward Branch plans to hold a commemorative ceremony to unveil a marker at the grave of Alexander Gowns Mackie, best known as the owner/operator of MackieB次元官网网址檚 Grocery Store and the man credited with starting the branch back in 1927.

Also making news the week of July 8, 1996:

The honeymoon is over; Highlands residents will see their property taxes jump between 10 and 15 per cent this year. Mayor Bob McMinn says B次元官网网址渢he moment of truthB次元官网网址� is upon the municipality, as the tax hike was promised in 1994 and delayed for a couple of years. In an election year, McMinn admits the move might not make council very popular.

And, the ProducerB次元官网网址檚 Pit project is slammed as residents voice opinions on the proposed 2,800-home project at Royal Bay. More than 100 people jam Colwood City Hall for the presentation from a consultant who paints a picture of rolling greenery, tree-shaded walking paths and a cozy town square.

And fraudster Scott Drager, 26, is caught trying to pass off $20 worth of rolled pennies as $400 of rolled dimes at a Pacific Coast Savings branch, part of what police say is a two-month fraud spree. He had already served a six-month jail term for a conviction on 10 other similar charges.

1986

A vicious attack on a confined sheep by roaming Malamute-husky cross dogs has sheep owner Doug Jennings concerned for the safety of children. The attack on Selwyn Road leaves a black-faced Suffolk ewe gashed around the ears and legs. Jennings pulled the dogs off his sheep with the help of a neighbour to prevent them from attacking or possibly killing any more of the sheep.

Also making news the week of July 8, 1986:

The B.C. Fire Chiefs are pushing for it, but Langford fire chief Al LeQuesne doesnB次元官网网址檛 think the province will make smoke detectors mandatory in all homes. Association representatives present the case to the province for a new law that would make them a requirement even in older homes, but LeQuesne says itB次元官网网址檚 unlikely such sweeping measures will be introduced.

And, an innocent-looking vinyl gym bag that washes up in View Royal proves to be a potentially dangerous find B次元官网网址� it contains 50 to 60 sticks of dynamite. Divers and DND explosives experts are called in by the Colwood RCMP when the bag is found.

B次元官网网址� Compiled by Arnold Lim