Regional District directors wrestled over an alternate, emergency road out of the Alberni Valley yesterday.
Members of the district’s own transportation committee said there’s no need to reinvent the wheel as 5 studies have been done over the past 4 years on various routes.
Beaufort alternate director Jack McLeman said Port Alberni is the largest city in the province with only one way in or out, and residents are being held hostage by government inaction.
“None of our property values are going to go up if it’s not easy to get into Port Alberni,” he said. “We’re the largest town in BC with only one way in and out. That really should not have been acceptable back then, and shouldn’t be acceptable now. The Alberni Valley and the west coast should not be held hostage by things that are not happening. I think trhis is one of the most important things that has happened in our valley in a long time.”
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said discussions are underway with provincial ministry staff who have agreed to update past studies and need to be given some time to do that work.
Directors voted to defer any motions until after further reports and presentations from the province next month.
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