Closure of highway 97 highlights major supply problem

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The fire forced the closure of highway 97 earlier this week, creating a potential problem for supplies getting into town. Although the highway is now back open, and the mayor says there was no supply shortage. It’s highlighting a problem about getting supplies like food to the north.

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“If we really got cut off, I would guess that about 60% of the population in this region would be out of luck.” Annie Booth, Professor of Environment Sustainable Studies at UNBC

Booth says that shutting down one of the main highways showcases a major transportation problem.

“Most of our food is actually transported up from centers like Vancouver. You can kinda bring it in from Edmonton, you can sort of bring it up highway 5, but point in fact we’re pretty isolated out here. Without a lot of routes in or goods, and if 95% of your goods come from somewhere else, you’re pretty much dependant on those supply lines and when they get cut, suddenly people understand that the supermarkets in this town, literally only have three days of food.” said Booth.

Booth says that this is a year round problem and that there needs to be sustainable solutions closer to home so that communities don’t go hungry.

“The province hasn’t really thought about investing in regional food security either. They’re willing to go ahead and put in developments that eat up agricultural land. You also need a way of investing in people who do ranch and people who farm.” said Booth.

People need to also be able to support local farmers to make sure there is a continuous flow of local supplies.

“Buying local keeps us all safe, keep jobs in the communities and that’s actually pretty important.” said Booth.

With over 300 wildfires active in B.C. as of Thursday, Booth says the clock is ticking before a day comes where our supplies will be in jeopardy.

“There’s always going to be disasters and making sure that you personally are able to cope. Then part of it is a longer term strategy where you’re saying food production in this region is actually pretty critical, let us invest in people who are producing.” said Booth.