Families ask for help in search for missing plane near Revelstoke, B.C.

Relatives of a missing couple whose small Alberta-bound plane disappeared a week ago after leaving Penticton, B.C., hope to continue thesearch by recruiting volunteers.

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Officials with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria say they plan to search again on Monday for the missing plane, which was carrying Dominic Neron and Ashley Bourgeault, both from the Edmonton area.

RichardBourgeault, Ashley's brother, and TammyNeron, Dominic's sister say they've been told that after Monday the search will be turned over to RCMPas a missing persons case.

The pair arrived in RevelstokeB.C. Saturday night. It's the closest city to where the couple's small plane was last tracked on radar, about 46 kilometres northeast of Revelstoke.

The plane, a 1963 Mooney M20D, was reported missing on Nov. 25 at 10:40 p.m.after leaving Penticton. Officials say it was bound for Edmonton.

Search and rescue teams have been looking for the white aircraft with burgundy stripes in the area between Revelstoke and Rogers Pass. Poor weather has made it tough for those involved.

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Richard Bourgeaultsays volunteers on snowmobiles, and even some on skis are involved in the search.

"There's a lot of backcountry skiers here, snowmobilers," addedTammy Neron. "There is so much help here."

'We will have to continue the search'

Bourgeault says he understands why the official search must end.

"It is sad obviously and they are lookingat numbers andthat is what they go with, but we will have to continue the search after they stop. That's all," he said.

The pair ofsiblings hope an improvement in weather will help the search. The forecast is for mostly cloudy or sunny conditions with no snow.

They want anyone who may havetips to contact RCMP.

The missing couple, Neron, 28 and Bourgeault, 31, have been dating for a few years and were the only people onthe flight. Bourgeault has three children under the ages of 10.

"The little ones aren't really understanding, the older one, she gets it kind of. She's trying to be strong but she still cries and breaks down. It's sad," said Bourgeault about hissister's kids.

Community support

Brougeault and Neronsay they are grateful for the support they have received fromRevelstokeresidents.

A local hotel has put the pair up for free, while restaurants are also pitching in with food.

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