Gander 'not open' to Outlaws Motorcycle Club, mayor warns
The mayor of Gander has issued a stern warning to members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, which Claude Elliott suspects is looking to rent a property for their members.
Elliott is cautioning renters that the Outlaws, which the RCMP has labelled as a criminal organization, is looking for a new commercial or residential space to rent.
"Gander's doors are not open and we don't want you here," Elliott told CBC News on Wednesday.
"We're going to make your life [as] miserable as we can to make sure you don't get in this town."
Elliott is cautioning renters to screen each applicant more vigorously so the bikers don't find a new clubhouse in the town.
The group set up shop in the Gander strip mall in 2013, around the same time that one of its members, Patrick Bemister was charged with uttering death threats and assaulting two off-duty police officers in a bar.
Elliott believes the club's lease is up, adding members have been going door-to-door in search of a new hub.
"Quite frankly, I wouldn't even meet with them if they requested to meet with me," Elliott said. "I'm not going to meet with people I don't want in the community.
"We know that they are looking to rent a spot in Gander and all we're saying to business is to be very careful. Do a thorough check. We will not be issuing an occupancy permit if we know it has anything to do with the Outlaws at all."
The RCMP is aware of the move, Elliott said.
