against three people accused of running a dial-a-dope ring under the guise of a medicinal marijuana service, ruling the case has taken too long to get to trial.
Judge Joanne Challenger ruled the almost four-year delay between when charges were laid and when the trail was to start violated the accuseds' right to be tried "within a reasonable time."
Father wins dyslexia rights case
A North Vancouver father said he was elated after winning a landmark court case that ruled the North Vancouver school district discriminated against his son, who has dyslexia.
Rick Moore, who began his legal battle 15 years ago, said he hoped the victory will help kids with learning disabilities get the help they need.
The Supreme Court of Canada agreed with Moore that by cutting services for students with dyslexia and failing to provide alternatives, the school district discriminated against Moore's son.
No jail for Whistler sled dog killer
A man who sparked international outrage by shooting dozens of Whistler sled dogs in a mass cull in 2010 received probation, community service and a fine, but no jail time.
Crown prosecutor Nicole Gregoire told North Vancouver provincial court Judge Steven Merrick on Nov. 22 that jail wasn't needed for Robert Fawcett, a former employee of the sled dog tour company Outdoor Adventures, noting he has already become a pariah and feels extreme remorse for his actions.
Fawcett was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to nine of the dogs that were culled in a two-day period after a slump in business following the 2010 Whistler Olympics.
The case set off an international media firestorm when details of the case became public after Fawcett filed a claim with WorkSafe BC for post-traumatic stress disorder.
DECEMBER
After more than two years of debate, redesign and controversy, Onni Group announced plans to withdraw their proposal to build two condo towers comprising 344 units, as well as office and retail space at the Safeway site on Lonsdale and 13th.
Citing "public abuse" over accusations Onni had stacked a town hall meeting with speakers who were favourable to the project, company president Rossano De Cotiis announced his intention to withdraw the application.
Currently, the proposal remains with city staff and may yet receive a second public hearing in February.
North Shore's tallest tower OK'd for Seylynn
The tallest building on the North Shore was OK'd for North Vancouver's Seylynn neighbourhood following a contentious council vote Dec. 10.
In a 4-3 vote, council approved a five-building development east of Mountain Highway and north of Fern Street, which includes three highrises measuring 24, 28, and 32 storeys.
The development includes 790 residential units.
The project also includes a four-lane extension to Keith Road across the north side of the property to connect with the Fern Street interchange.
DNV won't cost-share 50-metre pool
The District and City of North Vancouver will not pool their resources for a new 50-metre swimming facility at Harry Jerome Recreation Centre, following district council's decision Dec. 10.
The city considered a $28-million Olympic-sized pool at the rebuilt Harry Jerome centre, but that plan appeared contingent on the city and district sharing costs.
The district is currently planning a 25-m pool in a rebuilt William Griffin Recreation Centre, less than a five-minute drive from Harry Jerome.
