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$31M Bamfield Road project breaks new ground for Island First Nation, B.C.

Huu-ay-aht First Nations the first Indigenous community to lead major infrastructure project
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Huu-ay-aht First Nations Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr. addresses a small group of supporters as he announced work on the $31-million resurfacing of Bamfield Main Road will begin in earnest. (PHOTO COURTESY HUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATIONS)

Six gold shovels broke ground last week in a remote corner of southwest Vancouver Island marking the start of something new for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations and for British Columbia.

The Bamfield Main Road Surfacing Project will include significant safety improvements and chipsealing of the 76-kilometre vital link between Bamfield and Port Alberni.

And Huu-ay-aht First Nations is making history in British Columbia as the first Indigenous community to lead a road infrastructure project of this size.

“Today is an exciting day for our Nation – one we have been working towards for decades,” explained Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr. “We are standing today in an area where our people have lived for centuries, along the Sarita River. It is an important day because we are finally able to use the resources in the best way for our people. When we can say that is always happening, we will have reached true reconciliation.”

British Columbia is contributing $25.7 million, and Huu-ay-aht First Nations is covering the remaining $5 million.

Dennis Sr. acknowledged Premier John Horgan and the provincial government for their commitment to this project.

“The only way to achieve the change we want to see for our Nation is through creating an action plan,” Dennis Sr. said. “That is what the Premier did when he travelled to our community almost two years ago. Because of that, we are partnering in a project that will create a safe, reliable road for travellers.”

The groundbreaking took place at the gravel pit that Huu-ay-aht is developing for the project through HGB Gravel LP. When completed, Blenheim Pit will supply the gravel needed for the surfacing of the road. The pit is in Huu-ay-aht’s traditional territory, approximately 30 minutes from its village of Anacla, close to Bamfield on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Numerous pits have been identified and investigated for their potential. Currently numerous pits are gaining permits for further investigation. Gravel production will carry on through the winter to ensure the required quantities for the road are available.

Work on the Bamfield Main Road project began earlier this spring when crews carried out a field survey of the 76-kilometre road, culverts, bridges, legal property boundaries, waterline at Fredrick Lake, water courses, and related infrastructure completed. This data is utilized for three-dimensional (3D) modeling by the road and drainage design team. An environmental study and road drainage and design has also been completed, as has a geotechnical investigation.

The road will be constructed in three contract sections of approximately 25 kilometres each.

The contracts will be tendered in January 2022 with work to begin in April 2022 and completed by mid-September. These contracts will carry out the gravel placement, compaction, drainage requirements, and signage. The construction will also raise the road in numerous locations to avoid future flooding issues. New concrete box culverts are to be placed near Fredrick Lake to allow the Western Toad population free movement across the road.

One seal coat contract covering the complete 76.6 km will be tendered in March 2022. The seal coating is expected to be completed by the end of September that allows for weather and other delays. This contract will apply two layers of seal coat and place required barriers.

In March 2023, a paving contract will be tendered: this contract will pave the required sections over the previously laid seal coat. The pavement is to be placed on all steep hills, major intersections, and bridge approaches. Along with the pavement, additional barrier sections will be placed to increase the safety in specific locations.

“It is exciting to see this project moving forward. In 2011 when we signed the Maa-nulth Treaty, we knew it would not work unless we work together as a tribe and build partnerships with others.

“The partnership we have with the province is an example of true reconciliation,” explained Tayii Hawilth (Head Hereditary Chief) Derek Peters.

“We have lost too many lives on this essential link to our community. As a nation, we must continue to move forward together with our Ancient Spirit and Modern Minds. Most importantly, we must do it right and honour our sacred principles of ʔiisaak (utmost respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking Care of), and Hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is one) and the teachings of our ancestors.”

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