by Tom Wheeler A Vancouver Island – Interior Connector is the concept behind the Third Crossing proposal.
The route is described as a transportation corridor connecting mid-Vancouver Island to the BC mainland by waterway, then connecting the logging roads between Highway 101 near Powell River to Highway 99 near Squamish. This is to have a third access between Vancouver Island and the mainland of the province.
This access has importance to the province, the island and the rest of the country; however, the major impact for this conceptual roadway will be on the North Sunshine Coast and most notably at the landlocked city of Powell River.
The communities along Highway 99 can get along without the proposed road as they have access to airports and sea terminals as well as the highways to the rest of the country. Vancouver Island can get along without the proposed road as well. It is also well connected by highways to airports and seaports. It is the isolated city of Powell River that struggles to stand on its own without having direct road access to major seaports and airports. It is dependent on BC Ferries for access to those ports. The reductions in sailings and the increase in ferry rates limits access to, and the sustainability of, the North Sunshine Coast.
The argument that Powell River would change from that access is true, and not all change may be welcomed. Those who have a monopoly with their business may not enjoy the competition from new arrivals that may be brought about from having overland road access to Powell River. Others will appreciate the interactions that can be had with other complementary businesses. The argument that Powell River’s crime-free status would change is a ridiculous. The many seniors and disenfranchised by disability of the Powell River area are not inclined to crime of any sort. It is poverty that is the incubator of crime.
It is time for the residents of Powell River and the North Sunshine Coast to stand up and demand an overland road to the airports, seaports and highways enjoyed by all others of the province and country. An overland road connecting Powell River to the mainland will be an access to commercial prosperity, and social interaction between communities. Tourism would flourish as would other commercial opportunities. The declining population of young people may then stay to find opportunities and contribute to the area. The seclusion is nice but the isolation is stifling.
Call your city councillors, phone them, and email them, to take this cause to the provincial representatives, just as those of Tofino and Port Alberni did in 1959, and just as those of Bella Coola did in 1953.
Tom Wheeler, formerly of Powell River, lives in Comox and is a member of the Third Crossing Society. The viewpoint expressed here is his own without sanction of the society.
