Highway 4 had been closed less than 24 hours, and supply issues already became apparent.
Drivers concerned about fuel supplies overwhelmed gas stations, leading to at least one station running out of gas, and dairy, produce and perishables have also begun to thin out at some grocery stores.
Mayor Sharie Minions says panic buying and reactive hoarding makes the situation worse.
“I was at a gas station yesterday and I saw every person there filling up jerry cans and that’s the kind of unnecessary pressure that will start to lead to the possible need to restrict,” she said.”We will bring the normal amount of supplies into our community but we can’t be bringing an increased amount of supplies into our community at this time. If people just relax and go about their day as normal, I think people need to know confidently that the supply chain is working and supplies will continue to come into our community.”
Minions said commercial trucks will begin arriving in town today, using the alternate route, and the transportation ministry is working to make road conditions the best they can be for the trucks.
As well as goods moving in, products moving out have been delayed. Forestry and seafood products destined for worldwide markets have been delayed as shippers pivot away from depending on Highway 4.
Minions said being a deep-sea port is an advantage for exporters to get lumber, salmon and seafood products to mainland markets almost as quickly as before the Cameron Lake fire.
Comments