To: Honorable Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Atco Wood Products and Kalesnikoff Lumber Company are scheduled to begin logging the Glade Watershed as early as 2017 and plan to continue for the following five years.
My concerns are many, but I will only speak of concerns and heightened liability as they pertain to you: the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Glade’s only connection to the main highway is the ferry that is a vital link as residents work, shop, receive medical services, attend schools, etc., on the other side of the river.
The logging truck traffic that will be using the ferry will have a detrimental impact on the ferry itself, the landing and the flow of traffic.
This increased traffic of heavy trucks will also impact the narrow roads within Glade, which are highly utilized by residents young and old who walk, cycle, push strollers and ride horses.
The road from the ferry to the highway is narrow with two sharp corners.
At one point it is only 20 feet across, sinking and eroding with a steep drop off to the train tracks and river below.
Any mishap in this area could have serious consequences and wreak havoc for the railway, river, ferry and dams downstream.
School buses travel this road to deliver our children to and from school.
I shudder to think what could happen if the bus and logging truck were to meet at this compromised point and put stress on the weakened side.
The result could be a major disaster.
Understandably, I am very concerned about the prospects this increased heavy traffic could cut us off from neighbouring communities, but even more so, the danger it presents to our children and loved ones.
I urge you to do whatever is in your power to avert any likelihood of disaster.
Laurel Edwards
Castlegar
