BC plans to improve forest service roads in the Lillooet area

The Government of BC has announced it will make new improvements to forest service roads in the Lillooet area.

The Province and the Skatin, Samahquam and Xa’xtsa First Nation Nations have identified 98 kilometres on the In-SHUCK-ch forest service road for priority improvements, including widening and realigning the road in multiple places, constructing new bridges to replace narrow ones, and improving road surfacing. The Province said these upgrades will benefit all users in the Lillooet, Squamish Region.

“This project work aids the call for assistance in upgrading the In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road leading to our community,” said council for Skatin First Nation. “Many people have died or been severely injured travelling this road, and it continues to impact the quality of life of people who need to traverse it for access to the necessities of life, supplies, education and health care. This work will save lives and improve the well-being of all users of this road, including us, the original occupiers of the Lillooet River Valley.”

The First Nations-led work to refurbish these service roads is being supported through nearly $2.5 million in grants from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation split among the Nations to support equipment purchases and training needed to secure roadwork contracts from Ministry of Forests.

The grants also ensure opportunities for Skatin, Samahquam and Xa’xtsa to play a significant role in overseeing the quality of access routes surrounding their remote communities. This promotes safer access for band members to obtain key services, such as shopping, medical appointments, education resources and in emergencies, such as wildfire or flood evacuation.

“We have invested in a newer and more reliable grader to put on the roads to help keep better and continuous easier access in and out of the community for longer periods throughout the year,” said Chief Don Harris, Xa’xtsa First Nation. “Our education and training department has created more training opportunities for road-related programs and job opportunities.”