The Minister of Forests and Natural Resources has responded to Quesnel City Council’s concerns about the decision to remove a bridge on the Bowron Forest Service road.
There is concern that removing the Indian Point Creek Bridge could jeopardize the proposed Circle Route to Barkerville.
Deputy Corporate Administrator Gina Albers read a letter from Steve Thompson.
It said that there was a provincial policy in place to rapidly repair all numbered highways so it wasn’t necessary to maintain secondary emergency routes.
Albers continues on from there…
“Also Ministry staff have confirmed there are numerous other forestry roads that are in better condition than the Bowron and Forest Service Rd. which currently serves as the alternate access to the communities.”
“Further Ministry staff have advised Minister Thompson of significant environmental and safety risk caused by debris build-up regarding the Indian Creek Point Bridge and depending on the amount the debris, the bridge may need to be decommissioned by this winter.”
Mayor Bob Simpson noted that the Wells Mayor Robin Sharpe would be disputing Minister Thompson’s understanding of the issue.
Simpson says it is Sharpe’s position that it just needs a bit of clean-up.
The proposed Circle Route plan is to run along the Bowron River and come out at Purden Lake.