Media release

The straw that broke the camel's back:

Government of British Columbia

      This letter is in response to the recent News Release from Ministry of Transportation, the straw that broke the camel's back for residents and business owners in the Fraser, Thompson, and Nicola regions of South Western British Columbia. This letter is for the constituents in the Fraser River-Nicola and Chilliwack-Hope ridings.

      I work in Tourism Marketing for Harrison, Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Hope, the Fraser Canyon including Yale, Boston Bar, Lytton, Lillooet and the Thompson Nicola Region including Spences Bridge, Merritt, Ashcroft, and Cache Creek. Working in cooperation with the business communities, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, residents, and local governments I have been fortunate to build and maintain a massive network of people all with common interests of economic prosperity for this region of South Western British Columbia. During the past several months and even more increasingly the past two weeks I have received copious amounts of emails from these people. People who have struggled through the opening of the Coquihalla Highway with no plan for sustainability on the Trans-Canada. Through the complete collapse of the forest industry the bread and butter of our region. Through decades of "big picture" government neglect. Throw a recession into the mix and the result is hungry business owners forced to close their doors. And for a town like Boston Bar or Lytton BC, closing doors is becoming something all to familiar over the past two decades. There is not many doors left to close.

       For over 10 years I have been a supporter of the BC Liberal Party, the main reason, I support "Big Picture Politics". I very much understand the importance of looking at the big picture, I believe that if you stay focused on the goal you can and will achieve it. The leadership shown by my party has made me proud. I have volunteered for the BCL on many different levels over the past decade. Including on 3 different campaigns, a member of the BCYL, and I also played a role in the Road to Victory Tour through out British Columbia. I have been fortunate to meet the Premier and several MLA's of the Liberal Party. I will continue to faithfully support the BC Liberals and "big picture politics". On the other hand I grew up in a small town in the Fraser Canyon. Harry Lali (NDP) was my MLA, he spoke at my Graduation Ceremony, and was an active politician within our community, frequently attending public affairs. For many years I felt that Mr. Lali was a prominent and worthy politician. Having said all of this I am now looking for answers, and while I usually wear my red stripes with pride today I have put on my business jacket. I want to know how and why the Fraser and Thompson Canyon corridor seems to have been forgotten in most or all government agencies. Is this because Mr. Lali and the NDP have failed to represent us in the legislature or because the Liberals have failed to listen. Because of recent changes to the ridding boundaries some of the Fraser Canyon will now potentially be represented by Barry Penner MLA BC Liberal Party. The moment of truth is upon us and as election day is fast approaching residents and business owners of the Fraser and Thompson Canyon's want to know will our government stand up for us. What candidate's are going to make the Fraser and Thompson Canyons voices heard in the legislature this fall. Or will our current government step up to the plate right now with a plan.

The fallowing is some concerns forwarded to me by a colleague:

      "The Fraser Canyon from Hope to Lytton (Trans Canada Hwy #1) is located in Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region. The Spences Bridge to Cache Creek portion lies in the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Region. According to the Ministry of Transportation’s latest News Release – the only stretch of Hwy 1 that is going to be looked at is between Cache Creek and Kamloops. http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009TRAN0026-000343.htm This stretch of Hwy 1 (Fraser Canyon – Hope to Cache Creek) is also in dire needs of attention. Some of the 7 highway tunnels that were built in the 60’s are starting to show their age and are in need of repair (by way of new liners, lights, cycling lights) Potholes: over the years the maintenance crews have tried to keep up to the filling of these (mostly throughout the winter). They are now beyond repair and proper paving is needed….. Line painting: as with the rest of the Province this is a very important safety issue. The lines are no longer visible (nor reflective) and driving at night and in the rain or fog is very dangerous. Rest areas – the rest areas in the Fraser Canyon are not up to standards like the rest of the Province (especially closer to the lower mainland). We welcome the world to the Province – then we shut it down. Proper facilities are needed with handicap access – that are open for longer periods throughout the year. Pull outs – we too are one of the most scenic drives. We need areas that are safe for people to pull over and take photos. General Maintenance – the mowing of grass & shrubs along the sides of the highway and the removal of the winter sand from the bridges and tunnels. Signage – there needs to be better signage at Hope and Kamloops to show people that the #1 Hwy leaves the main freeway. This is very confusing to the traveling public."

      This is just one of many emails I have received point of the matter is this, somehow the Fraser Canyon has not yet fit into big picture politics. While we have been patiently waiting for our time shine we can not wait any longer. I am officially asking the Premier of British Columbia, the Leader of the Opposition and our Local MLA's (Mr. Penner and Mr. Lali). Who should the Fraser, Thompson and Nicola regions vote for in 2009? And Why? Because of the large movement within my region I have chosen to make this document public in hopes it will encourage a public response. The people are waiting for answers! It is our future that is at stake! Please change your tourism and highways mandates to include the Fraser and Thompson Canyons! In 2009 remember British Columbia's birth place. Home to the Trans-Canada Highway, two transcontinental railways, Canada's second largest river, the worlds largest supporter of spawning salmon, the historic, scenic Fraser Canyon.

Riley Forman
One Thousand Seasons Four Seasons!
info@travelthecanyon.com

Adventure is in our Nature!
www.travelthecanyon.com

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