Rural politicians claim residents were stranded by deep snow and they’re demanding action.
The Electoral Area Advisory Committee will approach JPW Road and Bridge, the contractor responsible for rural roads, and local MLAs after a major snow storm passed through the region Jan. 4 and 5.
“Residents are upset with the lack of equipment on the roads,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.
A number of complaints have come from rural Enderby.
“It took four days to get my road done. There was nothing Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and they came on Wednesday,” said director Herman Halvorson, adding that rural residents, especially on large acreages, depend on roads being accessible.
In some cases, residents took action.
“I was out plowing roads with my tractor so people could come and go,” said Hank Cameron, Cherryville director.
Macnabb, who also plowed roads on his own in the BX, says previous road maintenance companies had sub-contractors on stand-by during emergencies and he wants to know if that is possible with JPW.
“I also want to find out from the provincial government if money is available for snow events,” he said of the need to talk to Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster and Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo.
Cameron supports more resources being available for keeping rural roads clear of snow.
“They should be proactive and have sub-contractors that can step into the breach,” he said.
The directors from BX-Swan Lake and rural Lumby have also received complaints about road conditions during and after the storm.
JPW Road and Bridge was reluctant to comment on the matter until it receives further information from EAAC.
“I want to find out what the concerns are,” said president Joe Wrobel.
