A developer in the Summerside area is confronting multiple criminal allegations, including making death threats against government employees. Strategic Holdings Inc. and its owner and president, Nathan Kember, are confronted with nearly a dozen charges under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) for purportedly conducting work near a wetland without proper permits. The accusations against Kember include obstructing a peace officer, causing mischief, uttering threats, and driving recklessly in a way that endangered the public.
According to court records, Kember allegedly interfered with the seizure of heavy equipment during an incident in October. Summerside Police also assert that Kember obstructed a tow truck from removing heavy equipment from Strategic Holding’s office address and operated a vehicle in a hazardous manner. The most serious charge is the alleged threat made by Kember to cause death to three individuals.
The victims of these alleged threats are reportedly provincial government employees in the departments of Justice and Public Safety and Environment, Energy, and Climate Action. Kember’s legal representative from Cox and Palmer requested a postponement during a court appearance on February 5, citing ongoing discussions with the Crown to potentially reach a resolution without ruling out the option of a trial.
In a recent conversation with CBC News, Kember mentioned that his plans to construct an apartment building on Water St. East in 2020 were postponed due to inflation. He presented a document indicating approval from the Department of Environment to work within the property’s buffer zone. Kember’s lawyer, Jordan Brown, emphasized Kember’s commitment to a large-scale housing development in Summerside, emphasizing the project’s sustainable nature and collaboration with local authorities.
The statement from Brown did not directly address the criminal charges against Kember. His next court appearance, related to both the Environmental Prevention Act and the criminal charges, is scheduled for March 5 in Summerside.
