March 13, 2022
- RCMP investigation stalled in hit-and-run death
- Rally held for Eileen & Trevor Wicks in Campbell River
- QB’s missing Salmon mural
- Scene around Town — leggings and boots weather
RCMP still investigating August 2021 hit-and-run death of Colm Harty
Well-known Qualicum Beach resident Colm Harty died as a result of a hit-and-run accident on August 28, 2021 in downtown Qualicum Beach after he was struck by a van. The vehicle was stopped in the next block by witnesses moments after the accident, and the driver was apprehended by the RCMP. Many people have wondered why there still has been no news about the results of the police investigation into last summer’s fatal accident.
When contacted on January 19, 2022, RCMP media relations officer Sergeant Chris Manseau told Second Opinion QB that Oceanside RCMP had advised him that “the file is still under investigation, and that a complete package has not yet been put forward to Crown counsel for review & charge approval.” Manseau said it is “forthcoming, but there is no anticipated timeline currently.”
In a reply to our March 11, 2022 follow-up query, Corporal Alex Bérubé, media relations officer for the RCMP’s Island District, provided this brief update. According to Cpl. Bérubé, “No charges have been approved yet, therefore no names can be released. This file remains under investigation.”
See our Tribute to Colm Harty, engaged citizen of the world.

Photo credit: Citizens for Quality Health Care.
Rally held for Eileen & Trevor Wicks in Campbell River
Campbell River residents held a rally in support of Eileen and Trevor Wicks on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
Rally attendees said people waved, some honked their horns, others took photos of their signs bearing the link (shown below) for the petition launched by friends of Eileen and Trevor Wicks to free Eileen Wicks.
The rally was organized by Citizens for Quality Health Care who also distributed pamphlets at the rally.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Nanaimo, BC.
Trevor Wicks frequently takes his karaoke system when he visits Eileen to alleviate the long days of confinement and inactivity she experiences at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The couple often entertained groups with their musical performances until Eileen was apprehended by Island Health eight weeks ago.
This writer was treated to this mini-concert in Eileen’s hospital room by the couple on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Salmon mural still a mystery

In a story we published in December 2021, Qualicum Beach’s salmon mural missing, we wondered what had become of the attractive, iconic mural.
In a reply to an email from Second Opinion QB, Heather Svensen, the Town’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Administrator, said “The mural was removed from the Public Works building in early 2019 to allow for a subcontractor to install a ventilation system to the shop. The mural was never intended for permanent display.”
Ms. Svensen reply did not answer our main question: Where is the mural now?
Scene around Town — leggings and boots weather!

