Bre McAdam
Saskatoon StarPhoenix
The owner of a long-standing lakefront restaurant in Prince Albert National Park’s popular resort town is facing a sexual assault charge from a complaint filed this summer.
According to court information, Dory Graae, who owns Pete’s Terrace, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman between July 15 and July 19 in Waskesiu. The woman cannot be named due to a standard, court-ordered publication ban on the identities of sexual assault complainants.
Parks Canada confirmed that Waskesiu Lake RCMP arrested Graae, 52, at his restaurant on July 19. Court records show the charge was laid the next day.
He was released and ordered to have no contact with the complainant, defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle said. Graae’s next scheduled court date is in September in Montreal Lake, the nearest circuit court to Waskesiu.
Pfefferle said he anticipates a short adjournment on that day as the defence awaits more disclosure — documentation obtained through an investigation that could be used against an accused.
Graae has given a statement to RCMP, provided text messages between him and the complainant, “and will continue to cooperate with the investigation to ensure that they have all information,” Pfefferle said, adding that his client intends to plead not guilty if the case goes to trial.
“The Waskesiu Community Council will not be providing any comments on this matter while it is being dealt with by the judicial system,” James Kerby, the council’s chair, said through an emailed response.
Parks Canada said Graae has been banned from Prince Albert National Park for “a period of up to one year” — a decision made under its administrative authorities, citing safety as a “top priority for Parks Canada.”
“The decision to ban the individual from the national park will have no bearing on that individual’s current license, lease, or rental agreements with Parks Canada. It will be up to the individual to make arrangements, to ensure the continuity of their businesses during the period of their ban from the park,” the statement read.
Pete’s Terrace has been operating in Waskesiu since 1989, according to Tourism Saskatchewan’s website.
