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Boat motor stolen from children’s camp

Nelson RCMP is investigating the theft of a boat motor from Camp Koolaree.
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Nelson RCMP are investigating the theft of a boat motor from Camp Koolaree.

Police are investigating the theft of a boat motor from Camp Koolaree.

On Wednesday, October 23, two volunteers for the camp showed up at McDonald’s Landing to go over and make repairs during the off-season. When they arrived they discovered the motor was missing from the camp’s boat.

The 25 horse power motor, which was locked to the small aluminum boat with a cable, had last been used by camp volunteers on Friday, October 11.

The boat was due to be taken out of the water for winter storage this weekend.  Another user of the public dock says he had noticed the motor was gone off the boat a few days earlier but no one is sure exactly when the motor went missing.

The eight year-old motor had been serving the camp mainly for transporting luggage and supplies across to Camp Koolaree, which is accessible only by boat or by a two-hour hike on foot.

The motor cost nearly $4,000 new, however with depreciation, it is unlikely the camp will see any insurance money towards its replacement after the insurance deductible is met.

This comes as a hard blow to the camp, which nearly closed last spring due to financial difficulties, but was rescued by an outpouring of donations from the community.

Camp Koolaree has been serving the area since 1931, operating mainly with volunteer labour, and is a United Way charity.

Anyone with information regarding this theft should contact the Nelson RCMP at 250-352-2156 or call Crimestoppers 1-800-222-8477.