 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Apology sought after permission not granted
Mount Asgard base-jumpers admit to illegal stunt, plan to donate to charityCasey Lessard Northern News Services Published Friday, November 11, 2011
Players of the web-based game may not break any laws, but Houlding and fellow climbers Sean Leary and Carlos Suarez did when they base-jumped off the mountain without Parks Canada's permission. Their lawyer Vernon Finch told the Nunavut Court of Justice Nov. 7 that they plan to apologize for doing so. Finch, who represents the British, American and Spanish (respectively) citizens told News/North the men, who were being filmed by Alastair Lee, had permission to jump out of a plane over the park, and to parachute into the park. They also had permission to hike in the park and climb the mountain. They did not, however, have permission to jump off the mountain, an activity Parks Canada never gives permission to do, Finch said. "Parks Canada asked for an apology," he said, "and they've agreed." Finch expects his clients will be asked to make a charitable donation in exchange for a symbolic fine. "Video of the exploits," which were released as The Asgard Project, "won 22 international awards," Finch said. The film, which follows the three men as they attempt the first free ascent of the 2,000 metre monolith Mount Asgard, was particularly lauded by mountain climbing film festivals around the world. The men were inspired by the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, in which a stunt double for Roger Moore skis and parachutes off the mountain. If all goes well in the final discussions with the Crown prosecutor, the men plan to "admit guilt, express their regret to Parks Canada, and apologize." The matter is back in court Dec. 5, when the matter is expected to be resolved and the final cost for the apology announced.
|
