Bob Mackin Contributing Writer AFTER nine years, it’s almost over. The federal Competition Tribunal accepted the pro- posed splir of assets berween Madison Venture Corp. and Southam Inc. on Oct. 16. The compromise will sce Southant become the sole owner of Lower Mainland Publishing Led. The company was created in 1990 when Southam and Madison Venture Corp. bought direet or indirect con- trol of 13 Greater Vancouver community Newspapers, including the North Shore News. The federal government's Competition Bureau con- tested the acquisitions. It believed the result would be a retail and real estate advertising manopoly for Southam, Speck... “it which already will let us published the move Vancouver Sun ahead.” and Province dailies. The Competitio: Fribunal agreed in’ part. onicring in 1992 thar Southam -cil cither the News, which ce tains a weekly real estate supplement, or the North Shore edition of the Real Estate Weekly. Southam appealed te the Supreme Court of Canada and fost in 1997, Southam and Madison conceived the com- promise this vear. Madison will sell ins 37% share in LMPI. to Southam in exchange for ownership of the North Shore edition of the Real Estate Weekly, Whaler Question, Squamish Chiet, Business In Vancouver, the Employment Paper and com- Munity newspapers in Sechelt, Powell River and Lillooet. Southani already owns 62% of LAMIPL.. It will retain the News, Vancouver Courier, Surrey Now, Burnaiy Now. Delta Optimist, Riclnnont News avd papers in the Fraser Valley. “Pre been sitting under Damocles’ Sword for over nine years,” said Peter Speck, who has published the News since he founded the newspaper in 1969. “1 keep having to look up to see ifs there or not. Min relieved bur the futare still must untold, [t will let us move ahead.” Speck estimates Southam spent $6 million in legal fees in the tribunal wrangle. “And I would suppose the government spent at least that much. if not) one-and-a-half times thar much. 1 would rather have seen the money reduce the (federal govern- ment’s) debt.” City lives night Rugger rats YOUNGSTERS had a ball Sunday morning at Klahanie field during the Capilano Rugby Club's mini-rugby tournament. Hundreds of kids from across the Lower Mainland took part in the fun-filled event which included drills and scrimmages (adove). through Proposed NV pet bylaw outlined ban on reptile sale Liam Lahey Contributing Writer NORTH Vancouver City considered a ban on the sale of reptiles or amphibians on Monday. A council meering drew a full house as councillors gath- ered to discuss the Pet Establishment Regulation Bylaw, The bylaw outiines the conditions under whieh a pet store may be operated within the municipality. Among the conditions addressed: Beages; Bsceregation of ill or injured aninnals; B veterinary care; B records of purchase, ale or acquisition; B prohibitions, Bentorcement. Many gathered in the gallery felt the bylaw as proposed would have a detrimental affect on their right to own exotic animals, Couneil eventually voted unanimously to send the behaw back to city saath Amendinents to the proposed bylaw would low the continued sale of amphibians or reptiles within the munivipality. Winston Wing, owner of the Pet Boutique on Marine Drive in North Vancouver, told council he would be forced inte carly retirement it the new bylaw pased in its current form. “Hf'vou take away our right to sei amphibians and lizards, you will prevent us the opportunity to provide the children of this community a the wonderful creatures in the store,” Wing explained to council. “If we were abusing the animals, 1 could understand but we're Het... my fantily and [are ander great stress from all ofthis. You will force me into carly retirement.” Pet Boutique stopped sciling dogs and cats years ago, Wing said. Reptiles and amphibians make ups a significant portion of his business’ profit margin. “We have children that are abused and even murdered by their parents, but do you take away a person's right to have a chi?” Wing asked council. Pet Boutique provides educational material for all of its potential buyers, and although records are not kept on who purchases the exotic animals, Wing said he has a geod rap- port with those members of the community who buy such animals from him. Wing also advised council that none of the animals sold in bis sere are on the endangered species list, a major con- cern of council. But North Shore resident and veterinarian Dr. Martin Milstein told council 73° of imported amphibians that come in te Canada tor sale, arrive dead. “Eve spoken to the tederal veterinarian atthe Vancouver airport and it’s true endangered species are not permitted into Canada” Mibtein said. “How many of the remaining 25% dic in stores or in somebody's home from a lack of care? “These creatures are special creatures and need specitic environmental surroundings. Most) problems cated for dhese aninials is trona.a lack of knowledge?” Mibtein said he didn’t believe most people take the time to educate thentelves on how ta care for exatic animals, Communicable disease should be a concern, he advised, “ft doubt the average person who bays one of these ani- mals is prepared to raise 1” he said. “Phicre’s also a disease potential, there are lots of incidences of salmonella contract: ed tron turtles tor example.” Gary Batt, director of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIAC), told council he supported the implemen- tation of a belaw, but said he was concerned with the section that referred to cages tor cats and dogs. Cages would have to be equipped with solid, imperme: able floors rather than wire floors. Said Ratt, who also owns a Petland store in Surrey, “Many deragatary comments have been made about this industry, but don’t torget all the honest effort that’s being made in our stores.” After hearing from several concerned citizens who spoke in support of Wing and against the bylaw, all eves focused on council members. “Tm not against referring the proposed bylaw back to staff (for amendments),” Coun, Barbara Sharp said. Pm still not in support of cages for puppies, T don’t accept the arguments Pye heard, With respect to reptiles, Pm con- cemed no one has spoken for the animals themselves. There is a learning issue tor people and a lack of follow up (on the sale of exotic animals}. t's very important we have same fairness built in for the animals.” Coun, Darrell Mussatto agreed to send the bylaw back to city staff tor amending. “Fin not in favour of banning reptiles, but {agree they nced to be sold ina less casual manner,” Massario said. Coun. Bob Fearnley questioned the fairness of the bylaw for people like Wing. “Pim not supporting this, it’s too extreme,” Fearnley said, “All along FP've asked myself, Why + are we trying to drive these people out of busine: et NEWS photo Cindy Goodman RV park contract renewed Katharine Hamer Cantributing Writer SQUAMISH Nation elders have renewed Frank Baker's contract for the operation of the Capilano Mobile and RV Park on the east bank of the Capilano River in West Vancouver. Baker, himselt'a member of the Squamish Band, has been marag- ing the mobile park since 1976. The family-run business was founded by his father, the late Dan Baker, in 1966. The Squamish Nation has been considering long-term redevelop- meat plans for the site. However, Baker says that Squamish Nation elders “understand the kes finan- cial contribution that the mobile park can continue to make to the Squamish Nation until the shape of future development is more clearly defined.” The new permit, ettective Oct. 14, allows the Baker family to con- tinue the operation of the mobile park on the site for the next 10 years. The permit guarantees annual fees to the Squamish Nation of approximately $500,000, and will allow the Baker family to invest in’ site improvements such as new streets and buildings. “We are really pleased with the extension,” said Baker. “R's a win-win-win arrange: ment because it benefits not just the Baker family and the Squamish Nation, but also our residents who can plan on remaining in their homes.” There are 105 people current- ly living in RVs and mobile homes at the Capilano site.