Nov. 4, 7892 S6 pages Office, Editorial 985-2131 Logging company says contract with GVRD @ breached over timber cuts in watershed areas THE LOGGING company that harvests timber in the Capilano and Seymour watershed areas is suing the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GYRD) for allegedly breaching its watershed logging contract. The suit follows a decision earlier this year by the GVRD board to re-examine designated logging areas in local watersheds in the wake of continued opposi- tion from environmental groups to logging old-growth watershed forests. But when contacted last week by the News, neither the GVRD’s senior staff members nor its lega! counsel were aware that the GVRD_ had been named in the breach of contract suit filed Oct. 23 in B.C. Supreme Court by C&R Logging Ltd. The News previously reported the possibility of a lawsuit being launched by C&R after the GVRD board in July deferred for further study seven North Shore water- shed timber cutblocks originally contained in C&R's contract. The deferral effectively suspended harvesting operations in the watersheds until the studies were completed, The North Shore watershed timber cutblocks represent a $1.5 million profit tothe GVRD. While the seven cutblocks in the Capilano and Seymour wateisheds were fater approved at a September GVRD board meeting, despite protests from environmen- talists, C&R claims the GVRD vi- olated its contract when it “unilaterally suspended logging operations for the 1992 year.” C&R’s statement of claim alleges that the GVRD failed to mect the contractual provisions of 265,100 cubic metres of wood promised over the three-year period covered in its contract. The claim also alleges that the GVRD violated a contract clause stating timber volumes and By Cheryl Ziola Contributing Writer specified cutblocks would not be reduced without the consent of the logging company. As a result, C&R, which claims it relies on its GVRD contract as its only source of revenue, is seck- ing unspecified damages to cover profit, revenue and opportunity loss as well as increased operating cosis. C&R executive Gilbert Lee did not return News calls tw press time Friday. Meanwhile, C&R loggers are considering launching their own legal action for lost wages and severance packages, pending the outcome of the C&R suil. Gord McRae. first’ vice-presi- dent of the }WA-Canada union representing C&R loggers, said they will ‘‘wait and see’’ before launching their own suit. The GVRD’s manager of water engineering John Morse, GVRD regional manager Ben Marr, GVRD watershed administrator Ed Hamaguchi and GVRD legal counsel Dale Pope all admitted that the C&R suit had caught them by surprise during interviews with the News. Although Morse said the GVRD was concerned about a potential lawsuit as a result of the board decision, he said he hadn't receiv- ed any official court documents. Pope, who had not been served with any legal documents regard- ing the suit, said such writs are often not served for a year after being filed with the courts. No court date to hear the C&R suit had been scheduled to press time. AE A SEE a index Cocktails & Caviar 35 @MComics...........-...41 MB Fashion...............47% 8 Horoscopes @ Lifestyles... ..000..... 39 & Spiritually Speaking Display Advertising 980-0511 Classifieds 986-6222 Crenna interviews Eileen Ford: 14 Ticket master : 36 I Ambleside amble Distribution 986-1337 A LONE jogger is framed by trees as she makes her way along the Centen- nial Seawalk at Ambleside. A waterfront study released earlier this year recommended additional rest areas for people using the West Vancouver landmark, High Profiles .. 386 Travel. ® High Tech . .- 25 B Vintage Weather Monday, cloudy with showers. Tuesday. rain. High 12°C. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement Numbe: 0087238