Joint Letter: Request for Secondary Access Route

Our File No. 0400-20 & 0400-40

July 26, 2023

Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister

by email: justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Honourable David Eby, Premier

by email: premier@gov.bc.ca

Re:      Request for Secondary Access Route

Sent on behalf of the following:

Ahousaht First Nation

Alberni-Clayoguot Regional District (ACRD)

City of Port Alberni

District of Tofino

District of Ucluelet

Ditidaht First Nation

Hesquiaht First Nation

Hupacasath First Nation

Huu-ay-aht First Nation

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Toquaht Nation

Tseshaht First Nation

Uchucklesaht Tribe

Yuulu?il?ath Government

The Alberni Valley and West Coast regions are growing communities that offer high quality of life to their inhabitants. However, given the recent Cameron Lake Bluffs fire and associated closure of Highway 4, we have become increasingly concerned about the lack of a permanent secondary access road in our communities.

Currently, we have only one major road serving as the primary entry and exit point, which poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of our residents in the event of any emergency or transportation disruptions as recently experienced.

The impacts experienced with the fire and associated highway closure are numerous and far reaching, particularly as it relates to economic development and the tourism sector, adding additional burden to ongoing challenges related to recruitment and retention, supply chains and inflation.

We appreciate the assistance and efforts provided in responding to the emergency and also the challenges associated with establishing the detour route from Port Alberni through to Lake Cowichan via Bamfield to ensure continued transport of critical supplies. However, this route which uses forest-service and privately-owned industrial roads is not a sufficient option in the short or long term based on a number of factors, including difficult driving conditions, lack of safety elements such as cell service, gas stations or washroom facilities and the extension of a four-hour travel time.

The Cameron Lake Bluffs fire has highlighted the urgent need for a ready to go, secondary access road for the region. As leaders of our respective communities, we request improvements to the Horne Lake Connector be urgently made so that the road is able to be activated on an ongoing basis at any time Highway 4 needs to close either short or long term.

While this request does not replace our push for a secondary highway, we recognize that in the immediate future, the need for a reliable and usable [for the average person] access route in and out of the region is the highest priority.

Some of the key reasons for our request of a secondary access road both in the immediate and long term include:

1.         Emergency Preparedness: In the event of natural disasters, accidents, or other emergencies, a secondary access road would ensure prompt and efficient evacuation and emergency response, reducing potential risks, injuries, and loss of life.

2.         Economic Development: Local businesses have been hard hit as a result of the unpredictability of Highway 4 and ongoing concerns and speculation of closures during the fall and winter seasons. A designated and usable secondary access road would provide the transportation confidence needed to be able to encourage tourists to continue visiting the area. Continuous reliable accessibility would enhance opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic diversification in our community.

3.         Health and Welfare of Residents: There is no question that the closure of Highway 4 has affected residents. Many report missing important medical appointments, lifesaving treatments and difficulties in receiving medications. The mental health and social impacts of the prolonged closure are vast and vary from being cut off from loved ones to food security.

We are ready and willing to collaborate with your ministries, local authorities, and community organizations to develop a comprehensive plan, conduct necessary studies, and ensure that long-term planning of a permanent secondary road is successful. However, we are requesting the Horne Lake Connector be put into place to provide an immediate short-term solution.

We respectfully request a meeting to discuss next steps. We would have one representative each from the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, First Nations and the City of Port Alberni.  Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to the favorable response, which would contribute significantly to the development and resilience of our communities.

Yours truly

CITY OF PORT ALBERNI

Sharie Minions

Mayor

C:            MLA, J. Osborne

                MP, G.  Johns

                Minister R. Fleming, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure