District Directors discuss alternate route

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The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Board met yesterday to map out priorities for 2024 in preparation for upcoming budget debates.

19 proposed initiatives totalling more than a million dollars were presented to the directors, with most pushed away to find grant options instead of using taxpayer funds.

While the board agreed an alternate highway or emergency route was a priority, a $70,000 funding request for a consultant was rejected by Beaufort area director Fred Boyko.

“The alternate route has been discussed in various boards and forms for over 100 years,” he said. “It started in 1910, 1920s, and carries on. We’ve had multiple studies multiple times on different routes and connectors and I’ve seen maps and budget estimates and everything. I’m hesitant to spend this money because I don’t think anything will happen until we get some commitment from [the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure] and if our history over the last hundred years says anything, it’s that nothing has changed.”

Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions along with Ucluelet Mayor Marilyn McEwan and ACRD Chair John Jack said money will inevitably have to be invested in pushing the issue forward with the province.

The board voted to hold off on funding until the transportation committee can meet and decide on strategies and timelines.