Perilous Passage: Calls Mount for Province to Secure Dangerous Island Detour

A critical, yet perilously unsuited, detour route on Vancouver Island is becoming a flashpoint for desperate calls for provincial intervention. Connecting the communities of Youbou and Bamfield, this temporary thoroughfare, necessitated by a devastating washout on South Shore Road near Carmanah Creek, is not merely inconvenient – it's a grave safety hazard that local residents, First Nations, and regional authorities insist demands immediate provincial takeover.

The core of the problem lies in the nature of the detour itself: it's a logging road.

Designed for industrial traffic, not public commuters, this winding, unpaved path presents a litany of dangers. Imagine navigating narrow stretches, blind corners, and steep, unforgiving grades, all while sharing the space with towering logging trucks and heavy machinery. It's a daily gamble for those who rely on it for essential travel, supplies, and access to their homes and communities.

Local voices echo a chilling sentiment: "It's not a matter of if, but when, a serious accident will occur," one resident grimly stated.

The fear is palpable, driven by the constant near-misses and the inherent risks of a road ill-equipped for its current role. This isn't just about inconvenience; it's about the very real threat of injury or worse, looming over every journey.

The Huu-ay-aht First Nations, for whom access to their traditional territories and modern services is paramount, are among the strongest advocates for provincial action.

Their main access road is the Bamfield Road, but this detour is also crucial, impacting the daily lives and safety of their members. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has also thrown its weight behind the growing chorus of voices, underscoring the broad-based concern across the region.

While the Province of British Columbia has acknowledged the issue, providing some funding for maintenance and stating it's monitoring the situation and collaborating with stakeholders, residents argue this falls far short of what's needed.

They're not asking for temporary fixes; they're demanding a full provincial takeover of responsibility, maintenance, and safety protocols for a road that has become a critical, albeit dangerous, lifeline.

Adding to the urgency is the grim reality that the washout on South Shore Road is no quick fix.

Experts suggest repairs could take years, meaning this treacherous detour is not a short-term inconvenience but a long-term, high-stakes reality for those who must use it. Leaving the safety of this essential link in the hands of industrial users and local groups is simply unsustainable and, many argue, irresponsible.

As calls intensify, the question remains: will the province heed the urgent pleas of its citizens and First Nations, transforming a perilous passage into a safe, provincially managed route before tragedy strikes? The communities between Youbou and Bamfield anxiously await a definitive answer, hoping for action that prioritizes human safety over bureaucratic delay.