By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

The Fraser Canyon: B.C.’s forgotten highway

Feb 28, 2019 | 12:56 PM

AS YOU DRIVE THE FRASER CANYON and compare it to other major highways, it seems to be the ‘forgotten’ highway. There is a lot of traffic moving through it, but not too many people actually stop to spend time in places like Hope, Yale, Boston Bar and Lytton.

It’s a shame because of the beautiful scenery, unique experiences and recreational opportunities these communities have to offer. They have been facing a variety of challenges including the closure of hotels, stores and gas stations in addition to mills that were big local employers. These communities also suffer from a lack of attention being paid to them by government. They have lost provincial offices and the family-supporting jobs they provide. They haven’t seen much tourism promotion, nor any capital improvements to Highway 1 through the Canyon.

These communities could use some tourism investments, in the form of marketing efforts, pull-outs, washrooms, or new tourist spots to pique people’s interest in this wonderful area. They could also benefit from economic development initiatives — some support to diversify, grow new sectors and attract investment.

Transportation initiatives to increase accessibility to their towns, and improved signage to draw people in would also be helpful. The Opposition continues to put pressure on B.C. Transportation Minister Claire Trevena to resolve the gaps in bus service following Greyhound’s departure from the province.

Communities along the Fraser Canyon could also benefit from better internet and cell service which would support business, improve safety for motorists and increase convenience for travelers.

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The reality is, these lovely rural communities need investment to remain viable — yet we don’t see any supports for them in the BC NDP government’s latest budget. We don’t see anything concrete and specific to help them address these challenges and thrive once again.

Of course, if they are going to thrive — this will create a number of local tourism and hospitality jobs, and attract more residents to fill those jobs. But this requires them to have the proper infrastructure, facilities and services in place to serve a growing population.

These communities continue to press for more affordable housing, not only to help attract newcomers but to address homelessness as well. Unfortunately, we don’t see much progress on this file. There is nothing in the government’s budget to enhance housing accessibility or increase market rental supply. Government is still not on track to build the 114,000 affordable housing units over ten years it has promised to British Columbians. We’re also expecting a 25 per cent drop in housing starts over the life of the NDP’s fiscal plan, which won’t help boost the number of units built and will actually lead to job loss and decreased economic activity.

Access to health care and mental health supports is another key issue along the corridor. I welcome the government’s budget commitment of $74 million for early mental health intervention in children, youth and young adults. But there is still more to be done, and mental health and housing will be a key focus of a meeting with community representatives that I’ll be co-hosting next month with the Hope and Area Transition Society (HATS).

I will continue to advocate for increased economic development, tourism opportunities, transportation improvements and social supports to help these forgotten communities flourish once again.

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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 the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.