Axe raises tension at Vancouver Island blockade

A Vancouver Island First Nation's blockade nearly turned violent over the weekend when a protester armed with an axe attempted to stop a truck that was pushing its way through the impromptu roadblock.

No one was hurt, but the incident was caught on camera and RCMP Const. Ed Power says officers are investigating the incident.

For nearly two weeks, Halalt First Nation members have been protesting the construction of a municipal well projectin North Cowichanon the southeastern side of the island and police say tempers are rising at the blockade,

Tyler George, a councillor with the Halalt band, said the woman whoattempted to stop the truck while carrying a raised axe was not a band member and has been asked to leave the blockade, but he also pointed to the driver of the truck for provoking the incident.

"I saw a video of somebody crashing through the barricades in a four by four. It seemed like they were using the vehicle to menace the people manning the blockade," said George.

George maintains the blockade, which has been stopping traffic on a road passing through the band's reserve, about 40 kilometres south of Nanaimo, has been peaceful for the most part.

"We stop motorists, indicate that we're peacefully protesting the Chemainus wilds projects. This elicits one of two responses, we're either crazy or good for you," he said.

"Our side of it has been a peaceful protest .... The people who are upset at the inconvenience of having to drive an extra 10 minutes to get to work or to get to the ferries we're sticking up for their water rights as well," said George.

The band is protesting the $6-million project, whichthe province says will provide clean drinking water. Theband is concerned it could affect its own water supplyand the Chemainus River watershed.

The Halalt'slegal challengeto halt the construction of the wellprojectwill be heard in the B.C. Supreme Court on March 15. Until then,the blockade will remainin place,said George.

According toNorth Cowichan officials, the Halalt filed a petition for judicial review of the projectin September,seeking to quashthe environmental assessment certificate with a declaration that the provincial duties of consultation and accommodation were breached.

The province and the municipality maintain the Halalt were consulted extensively during the planning of the project, and it has passed all necessary environmental reviews.