Photo Courtesy Tourism Valemount

By Caden Fanshaw

ROBSON VALLEY

Robson Valley dealing with Albertan sledders despite travel ban

Dec 18, 2020 | 5:25 PM

MCBRIDE – Residents are concerned, as one McBride resident tells CKPG News hundreds of Albertans have been making their way to sled and skidoo in the Robson Valley.

Many businesses have been put in an unimaginable spot, the biggest driver of the economy in the winter is snowmobiling, and shutting out the snowmobilers completely could mean a massive hit to their bottom line.

“Its has certainly been a struggle trying to balance the economy with keeping in-line the wellbeing of your citizens,” says Mayor of Valemount, Owen Torgerson.

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Torgerson says people need to be following the public health orders, but he knows people will come and travel anyways.

MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond says although shutting down the border between BC and Alberta is next to impossible, there are other solutions.

“We’ve raised the issue,” says Bond. “What it does make us recognize, is that government needs to help alleviate some of this pressure and concern on small business and tourism operators.”

BC health officials have been discouraging non-essential travel since mid-November, Alberta also moved to similar messaging this month.

Another McBride resident told CKPG News they have seen snowmobilers throwing parties and large gatherings at local motels.

McBride RCMP say they have not issued any fines for breaching BC Provincial Health Orders.

The Village of McBride did not respond for comment.