Williams Lake City Council Offers Condolences After Death in Custody

The City of Williams Lake has expressed its condolences to the family and community following the in-custody death of Surrance Myers on October 1, 2022. Myers passed away while detained in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) holding cell after being taken into custody during a traffic stop. This incident has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly among Indigenous groups.

Mayor Acknowledges Community Impact

In a statement, Mayor Surinderpal Rathor acknowledged the profound loss experienced by Myers’ family and friends. “On behalf of council, I extend heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the individual and acknowledge the significant impact this incident has had, especially for the Tsilqot’in Nation and other Indigenous peoples in the region,” he said.

The death of Myers has prompted calls for accountability. Shortly after the release of the report from the Independent Investigator’s Office (IIO), which did not recommend charges against the involved officers, the Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) issued a statement demanding greater accountability. The TNG expressed their concerns approximately 90 minutes after the IIO report was made public.

Commitment to Healing and Dialogue

Mayor Rathor emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering an open and respectful dialogue with all stakeholders. “We have heard the concerns expressed by the TNG and others, and our goal is to foster understanding, continue to build relationships grounded in respect and reconciliation, and ensure an incident like this never happens again,” he stated.

The City of Williams Lake is actively working with Indigenous leadership and community partners to support healing, advance reconciliation, and enhance the overall well-being of the region. “This work is ongoing, and the city recognizes the importance of walking this path together with respect and purpose,” the mayor added.

As the community processes this tragedy, local leaders and residents are looking for ways to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future, reinforcing the need for accountability and support for affected families.