Merritt / File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Pursuing a bright future for our rural communities

Aug 11, 2022 | 10:09 AM

SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING, and I hope you’re taking the opportunity to catch up with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. With the return of many big community events, it’s been nice to reconnect and share a bit of optimism for the future. I’m hoping we’ll hold onto this positive outlook and make good progress rebuilding the communities devastated by climate events in 2021.

In Merritt, council was recently provided with several potential flood mitigation options courtesy of the City’s Recovery Operations Team and consultants. I encourage those living in Merritt to take a look at the presentation on the City’s website, as the City notes opportunities for further input will be forthcoming. I continue to support the work of council to take steps now to mitigate for the future. We know that any projects or improvements will require a significant investment from all levels of government, and I am committed to doing what I can to secure that funding and any other resources we need to move forward.

I recently toured the Highway 8 corridor and was pleased to see the progress made to flood-damaged areas. Temporary repairs are complete at 18 locations, construction started on another two, and five sites have work planned for the near future. Kudos to the Ministry of Transportation for the work they are undertaking in collaboration with First Nations communities, property owners, BC Hydro and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

I wish I could bring a similar update about the state of Lytton’s recovery effort, but this continues to move along at a much slower pace which is frustrating for residents and business owners. I continue to call on the government for a long-term rebuilding plan, with timelines, to provide certainty for people and give them some hope for the future. So far, these calls remain unanswered.

Meanwhile, our rural communities are also struggling with an overwhelmed and understaffed healthcare system. Tragically, the worst-case scenario recently played out in my home community of Ashcroft. A woman died of cardiac arrest with the emergency room closed and no local ambulance available to respond. It’s heartbreaking, and it also makes me angry because the premier has not kept his election promise to ensure 24/7 emergency medical care for Ashcroft residents.

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People also want to see action on public safety, more housing built, better supports for seniors, improved access to mental health and addictions care, and more relief from inflation and the skyrocketing cost of nearly everything.

Despite these large and complex challenges, I don’t want anyone to forget what makes our rural communities such wonderful places to live. From the breathtaking natural beauty, to world-class recreation and tourism offerings, to the ability to know your neighbours and feel part of a unique and close-knit community — it’s a lifestyle people choose for a reason. I will continue to urge the government to do what is necessary to help rural B.C. thrive.

I wish everyone an enjoyable summer and a hopeful future.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.