Letter from Min. Trevana Re: Potential Malahat Temporary Emergency Detour Route

Re: Potential Malahat Temporary Emergency Detour Route

Thank you for your letter regarding the ministry’s exploration of temporary emergency detour routes for the Malahat.

Sooke Hills Park has considerable environmental and recreational value, and I recognize Council’s concerns. The ministry is exploring what options might be available to help move people when incidents close the Malahat, including existing roads through the area and potential new routes. It is important to stress that any highway infrastructure that might result within Capital Regional District (CRD) lands or parks would be used only as a temporary, closely supervised and controlled detour route, and would not be a permanent road that is open to the public.

The ministry continues to work with First Nations and local stakeholders in the region, including the CRD, to understand the environmental issues and concerns related to increased traffic in the area. I am optimistic that we can find a balance between environmental concerns and the need to keep people moving.

The ministry’s new comprehensive southern Vancouver Island transportation strategy is also going to explore ways to improve traffic flow and move people more efficiently in this rapidly growing area of the province. A consultant is being hired to work with local stakeholders and First Nations to plan and design innovative potential transportation options for the region, from Duncan and to Sooke. In addition to exploring improvements to existing roads, the strategy will explore concepts related to transit, rail, marine or ferry travel, and active transportation.

The resulting plan will help guide future investments in transportation projects to ensure we address congestion and build for a greener future. More information is available in our news release at https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TRAN0002-000015

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Trevena Minister