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Qualicum developers discontinue civil claim for defamation

Discontinuance of lawsuit filed following Aug. 8 ruling
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(File photo)

Qualicum Beach developers Richard and Linda Todsen have discontinued a civil claim for defamation against Deborah McKinley, administrator of the Facebook page Concerned Citizens of Qualicum Beach.

The claim pertained to statements by McKinley regarding the Todsen’s zoning application for a 16-lot subdivision at 2075 Island Highway and 850 Eaglecrest Dr. in Qualicum Beach.

“We have chosen to file a discontinuance of the lawsuit against Deborah McKinley, due to the ruling that came down on Aug. 8, in the Todsen vs. Morse case,” the Todsens wrote in an email to PQB News, adding “as we no longer have faith in the judicial system.”

A notice of discontinuance was filed Aug. 16 by the lawyer for the Todsens and Todsen Design and Construction Ltd, meaning the proceeding will not continue and notice of a trial will not be filed.

READ MORE: Judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Qualicum Nature Preservation Society

“I am very pleased that the lawsuit against me, and that of Ezra Morse and the Qualicum Nature Preservation Society, filed by the Rick and Linda Todsen and Todsen Design and Construction Ltd., is now finished and sincerely hope our community can start healing from the divisiveness that resulted from both,” McKinley said, in email to PQB News.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of B.C. dismissed a defamation lawsuit against the QNPS and its president, Morse. The lawsuit pertained to 24 statements made in relation to a town bylaw amendment and zoning approval application for the above subdivision.

Justice Jan Brongers dismissed all allegations on Aug. 8.

Qualicum Beach council, during its Aug. 10 meeting, voted 3-2 in favour of advancing the application.


kevin.forsyth@pqbnews.com

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