Port Alice doesnt rate inclusion on highway road signs. That, in a nutshell, is the message that was delivered to the Village of Port Alice by the Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry - Vancouver Island District.
At the Village of Port Alice Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 8, correspondence from Tallina McRae, district operations technician & area manager, roads, was received and discussed.
The letter was in regards to the Village's previous request to add Port Alice to the guide signs on Highway 19 from Campbell River up to Port Hardy.
McRae states in her letter that she appreciates "your wish to diversify the economy of the Village of Port Alice and am sorry to hear about the downturn due to the closure of the Neucel Specialty Pulp Mill," and that she has "reviewed the request against our guide sign policy."
According to McRae, the policy states that "only warranted destinations be placed on the Destination Distance," and that "only the next destination and a major or control city are to be placed on the sign. Unfortunately, Port Alice is not on the reference map of controlled or major destinations," adding that signs should "not be used to satisfy political desires or provide 'advertising' for communities."
"I'm a bit offended by the letter," said Port Alice Mayor Jan Allen. "What makes a place 'warranted' and what doesn't?"
Allen added that she will be writing another letter to McRae and will also be making an appointment to discuss the issue with the Ministry.