Headlines from this weeks SPEC

Feb. 2, 2003

Wakeham-York Winter Carnival coming again

Charlene Eden

The Wakeham-York Winter Carnival will once again be happening this year. The Carnival, which is in its 33^rd year, will run from January 31^st to February 9^th. A variety of activities have been planned to ensure that everyone can partake in the fun.

The first weekend of the Carnival has events for all ages. York rink will be the site of teen disco skating, a moonlight walk and a bonfire Friday night, as well as a masquerade on Saturday afternoon. Individuals can also attend a potluck supper at Gaspe Elementary on Saturday night, which will be followed by an amateur show and the coronation. This year, Trisha Caplin, Emily Roberts and Alisha Jean are vying for the title. On Sunday, the snowmobile radar speed run will take place at the rink.

Gaspe resident announces his candidature

Charlene Eden

Last week, Gaspe resident Jean-Hugues (Johnny) Gerard announced his candidacy for the Liberal nomination in the Gaspe riding. Mr. Gerard, an ex-worker of Labatt, believes that he can represent the interests of all citizens because of his past experiences and knowledge of the area.

Mr. Gerard decided to become a candidate after careful reflection. “After having crossed the county throughout my career, I think that it is time that I engage myself more in the defense of the interests of my region. I know the territory from A to Z. I know the needs of my territory. I have listened to people for over twenty-five years. My primary preoccupation is to represent the territory of Gaspé well,” said Mr. Gerard.

The Sûreté du Quebec is increasing its surveillance in the snowmobile trails

Gilles Gagne

CARLETON - The Sûreté du Québec is increasing the number of policemen patrolling the snowmobile trails this winter. While four officers and two vehicles were assigned to the trails of Eastern Quebec last winter, these numbers have been raised to 10 policemen and 14 snowmobiles since the beginning of Winter 2002-2003 in the Gaspé and Lower Saint Lawrence.

It is difficult at this point to evaluate how these greater means will translate in a number of hours of patrol. But the Sûreté du Québec is not the only organization to augment the amount of human resources in charge of rules enforcement in the trails. The Fédération Québecoise des clubs de motoneigistes is also asking its members to be more present in the network, all over Québec. These volunteers are above all working at changing the mentality of some snowmobilers, who drink and drive in the trails.