The working group that was preparing to receive the historic steam shovel from Quesnel for placement in Likely where it once worked has issued a statement on the news that the City of Quesnel has chosen instead to keep the implement.
The statement reads, in its entirety:
“Likely is lucky that no taxpayer or donation dollars have been spent on the project, only time and effort by the working committee. Likely was offered the steam shovel and pump over a year ago and at no time did we say or imply that the steam shovel was stolen from Likely. The working group thought we were helping Quesnel out by taking the steam shovel back to the area it came from. Repatriation in fact means the process of returning a thing back to the place of origin. Unfortunately, rumours happen, people get confused and misinformation is circulated. The working group – Lisa Kraus, Kathy MacBurney, Carole Whitmer and Maureen LeBourdais – are happy that Quesnel has found an alternate location within the Quesnel area.”
READ MORE: Quesnel city council reneges on deal to give gold rush steam shovel back to Likely
READ MORE: Steam pump and shove get facelift