When an emergency occurs, we expect help will arrive.
But that could prove challenging for the dedicated volunteers of the BX-Swan Lake Fire Department who have literally had access to the public ripped up before them.
Now it should be made abundantly clear that the City of Vernon needed to address drainage along Silver Star Road so the culvert and ditch work is absolutely welcome.
But when the city was planning for the project, it should have realized that the BX-Swan Lake fire hall sits next to the road. With an alternating one lane open, firefighters heading to the hall for an emergency call could find themselves blocked by a long line of vehicles. Fire trucks could also experience challenges getting out on to the road and going to where they are needed.
Adding to the headaches is city upgrades to Old Kamloops Road, the main access to much of the BX-Swan Lake department’s coverage area.
Long before heavy equipment started ripping things up, the city should have been in direct contact with the department and determining access to the hall and neighbourhoods during emergency calls.
Also needing to get on board is the Ministry of Transportation, which has no timeline to reopen East Vernon and Tillicum roads after they sustained some high water damage. A firm plan for that work needs to occur because those routes provide an efficient link for firefighters to many residences.
But while the city and the ministry get their acts together and consult with BX firefighters, let’s hope response times aren’t hampered because of a traffic jam.
– Vernon Morning Star
