By Thomas Wheeler A challenge British Columbia faces is to diversify its economic base. The lower coastal mainland continues to expand while the upper coastal regions and central interior stagnate or implode. The politicos entrusted with the management of the province have much on their plate with the brouhaha of the HST and that of the ferries.
The province is hard pressed to collect all the money needed to operate while the ferries do not have enough and are likely to cut services if not fed more from the public purse, whether that be from further subsidies or increased fares. The provincial representatives need a new direction. By diversifying and building the economy beyond the Lower Mainland, the government can increase its revenues and enable the population to become less dependent on the ferries so service cuts to the less profitable of unprofitable routes may be justified. By this reasoning an overland link from the Interior to Powell River is justified and should be given the immediate attention of the province. A plebiscite to address this issue may be in order.
An overland highway linking the interior of the province to Powell River would benefit all communities from Kamloops to Williams Lake through Lillooet, Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish. This link would give the interior of BC trade and travel access to mid Vancouver Island to reduce some of the Lower Mainland ferry traffic. An overland highway would give Vancouver Islanders the benefit of an alternate route to trade and travel to the east, thereby avoiding the congestion of ferry and highway traffic of the Lower Mainland. Powell River would enjoy the freedom of unfettered access to the interior of the province and all points east, north, and south. An overland link to the Sea to Sky Highway would be a significant initiative to extend and expand the province’s economic base out of that small corner of the province referred to as the Lower Mainland.
Diversification of the province’s economic base can only happen with access to its vital areas, whether that be by air, sea or land. The Comox Valley appreciated a significant boost to its economy with the arrival of WestJet Airlines, which is also appreciated by upper Sunshine Coast residents. Land-locked Powell River continues to be dependent on the ferries which tell us when and where we can come and go. An overland highway is required to minimize ferry dependency. It would allow the people and businesses of Powell River, as those of the interior of BC and those of the island, to have access to the trade and travel necessary to further the diversification of the province’s economy. Powell River has an opportunity to be a significant player in such an undertaking. Consider calling your local elected representative to suggest a plebiscite to address an overland highway to further the expansion and diversification of the BC economy.
Thomas Wheeler is a transplanted retiree from Alberta who lived in Lund for three years before moving to Powell River.
