The long-anticipated refurbishment of the 76-kilometer trail linking Bamfield to Port Alberni has finally reached its culmination, much to the delight of residents and local leadership alike.
For Robert Dennis, ex-chief councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the completion represents the fruition of a persistent advocacy effort. Describing the former state of the thoroughfare with an old-fashioned analogy, he recalled, “It resembled a washboard – an unwelcome sight for anyone undertaking the journey from Port Alberni.”
The facelift has been comprehensive. A chip sealing approach has fortified the road surface, and over 200 culverts have been either replaced or newly implemented to prevent future washouts. Guardrails now secure some of the road’s more precarious segments, not least including the location of a harrowing 2019 bus accident that took the lives of two University of Victoria students traveling to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
UVic’s president and vice-chancellor, Kevin Hall, reflected on the tragedy, highlighting its role in finally prompting necessary action. This sentiment was echoed by John Jack, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ present chief councillor, who also emphasized that the revamp was long overdue. Fueled by the 2019 incident, the province committed almost $26 million toward the nearly $31 million venture.
According to Jack, this timely investment will catalyze a desirable shift in the region’s economy. With enhanced safety measures in place, the new road is projected to supercharge local tourism – a previously untapped economic opportunity for the serene west coast community.
Echoing these sentiments, Stephen Rayner, executive council for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, anticipates that the development will significantly bolster the community and its businesses. Sequestered Bamfield, having primarily depended on the natural resources sector for sustenance, now stands at the precipice of a transformative tourism boom.
In fact, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations has already amplified its campsite and is contemplating further expansion among varied tourist-centric endeavors. Rayner envisions a robust stage for local businesses, infrastructure enhancement, and growth of current enterprises.
Sustainability remains at the heart of their plans for the surge in tourism, potentially employing a voluntary fee system similar to Tofino’s to finance potential infrastructure projects. Jack underlined the project’s integral role in shaping a fresh economy for the region, while providing reliable and secure access to Vancouver Island for their community.
Consequently, Bamfield’s hidden tourist potential stands to be unleashed, promising a safe and prosperous future for the tranquil haven and its inhabitants.
