Barkerville Connector Idea Needs More Study

Thursday, November 15, 2007 02:07 PM

Green line shows Purden link between Barkerville and Highway 16

The Regional District of Fraser Fort George isn’t ready to offer support of the plan for a Barkerville Connector that would link the historic town to Highway 16 east at Purden.

In its report to the Board, Regional District Staff talked to some of the stakeholders who indicated there were some concerns.

District of Mackenzie staff observed that the District along with Fort St James and the McLeod Lake Indian Band are partnering on a proposal for federal funding for the development of a connector route between Fort St James and Mackenzie. This new route is anticipated to have circle route potential that will likely see an increase in regional tourism and have positive consequences in regional commerce activities and industrial traffic. If a number of circle routes are available in the region, the economic benefits should be positive.
Electoral Area E’s Director Kaehn has been discussing the connector proposal with a number of businesses in Hixon. A large majority of small businesses in Hixon are reliant on the travelling public and commercial traffic. Business owners observe that tourism traffic in Hixon has been declining over the past number of years and there is concern that the development of the Purden connector route may create a bypass around Hixon resulting in a further decline in tourism traffic. For these reasons, the Hixon business community is not supportive of the Purden Lake connector proposal.
Electoral Area F’s Director Zenzen provided information regarding the Purden Lake connector to community leaders throughout Area F. Most respondents were favourable to the concept as they see opportunities for increasing regional tourism. Only one respondent was not in favour of the concept, but no explanation was offered.

There was also support from the accommodation sector and the Prince George Airport Authority, but there isn’t enough information to suggest the circle route would indeed increase regional tourism. Staff suggested a complimentary study on regional traffic impacts resulting from the introduction of the Purden Lake connector route be done, as well as further consultation with key stakeholders, determine whether or not funding opportunities exist for undertaking a regional traffic flow study; and identify regional partners willing to contribute to a study on regional traffic flows.

The Board of Directors agreed with the suggestions and staff will now work towards gathering that information and report back to the Board.

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Posted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 02:07 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Chadermando on November 15 2007 7:35 PM

I guess I will not be stopping in Hixon anymore to spend any of my dollars. I think if they want to take the attitude that all roads have to go through their town then they are taking the wrong approach. The idea of the circle tour is to increase tourism and raise all ships through the increased attraction of traveling the circle tour thereby benefiting Hixon as much as anyone.

People that take the posistion they want to hold back progrees for others out of short sighted reasoning don't then get my support.

Posted by: He speaks on November 15 2007 9:38 PM

The connector between Mackenzie and FT St James makes better sense. Even just punching in more money to fix the existing logging road for year round access.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 15 2007 9:59 PM

I definitely agree on the Fort St.James/MacKenzie connector!
I have been through that way and it makes perfect sense!

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on November 15 2007 11:42 PM

Whatever, lets get the highway south of PG turned into a four lane first.

Posted by: NMG on November 16 2007 10:29 AM

"Whatever, lets get the highway south of PG turned into a four lane first"

Have to agree. I'm not convinced that it is a good use of dough.

Posted by: northman on November 16 2007 10:51 AM

My govt wishlist includes.
1)More passing lanes or 4 lane on HWY 16 west between vanderhoof and PG.
2)Fort st james mackenzie connector or even a fort st james pg connector which will reduce the traffic on hwy 16.
3)Hwy 97 south 4 laned.
Oh well the future will tell until that we are left to dream..

Posted by: Chadermando on November 17 2007 1:44 AM

We already have a Fort St James to PG connector. Its the Teardrop Forest service road out past Nuko Lake via Great Beaver to Fort St James. Its all gravel and thus a slower go, but a quicker trip to the fort if from the Hart area of PG.

A better connector would be the Ness Lake road to Salmon Flats east of Vanderhoof. That would make for a 45 minute trip from Vanderhoof to the Hart. Its half paved already, and all it needs is a bridge on the Stewart River. It would half the time for traffic heading north of town from Vanderhoof and avoid the congestion of the PG bowl as well as eliminate the large road grade changes south of the Nechako (ie College Heights, Mud River, Clukus). An added bonus could be the access it would grant PG river users to the Stewart-Nechako River for day floats.

Realistically though I would vote the bridge in Hixon as the highest priority for redesign and replacement. Followed closely by Stoner and Ahbau.

A government maintained rest stop for truckers at Salmon Valley would also be nice. Close to town and fresh water. Also then at least there could be garbage cans maintained during the summer months, which are needed in that area.