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BRITISH JAN 2 9 2020 COLUMBIA . c_\-) kno /fSockrcl 0 JAN 2 2 2020

Brad Sperling, Chair Reference: 290370 Peace River Regional District PO Box 810 Dawson Creek BC V1G 4H8

Dear Chair Sperling,

Re: Provincial Roads

Thank you for your letter regarding investments on provincial roads within the Peace River Regional District. I am sorry it has taken so long for me to reply.

I recognize the important role the Peace Region's resource industries serve in supporting the local and provincial economies. As you note in your letter, the Peace River region experiences unique challenges with respect to building and maintaining roads due to the area's geography, climate, fine-grained soils, availability of gravel for road building and level of heavy industrial traffic. This is why the ministry continues to provide $20 million dollars of dedicated annual funding for provincial public highways in the Peace region. This funding is supplemental to the services provided under our highway maintenance contracts, our regional preservation programs and our capital program.

Our regional programs prioritize work across the North in the categories of highway resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation and safety. While our regional program is still in development for 2020, we anticipate investing more than $6 million in the Peace region this upcoming year.

In the meantime, work in the region is continuing under our capital program, including the stabilization of the South Taylor Hill, as well as engineering and consultation on a long-term solution for the Taylor Bridge. These projects are in addition to our work on the 2016 Flood Recovery projects, which are continuing into 2020.

We recognize that seasonal load restrictions impact the ability of many industries to operate year-round. These restrictions are imperative to ensure roads remain in good condition throughout the year. To mitigate the impact of these restrictions, our Peace District staff implement a seasonal strength loss exemption program to help industry operate when our roads are weakest. Under this program, industry road users are responsible for fixing any damages incurred through a bonding process. Feedback from industry and the public on this program has been positive, and we anticipate continuing it in the future.

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Ministry of Transportation Office of the Minister Mailing Address: and Infrastructure Parliament Buildings Victoria BC V8V 1X4

February 13, 2020 C-1 -2-

Your letter also referred to oil and gas resource roads in the region. The mandate of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is focused on provincial public highways, which comprise the main numbered highways and most side roads serving residents outside of municipalities. While industry relies heavily on these networks, its activity is not limited to these roads. Resource roads, including Petroleum Development Roads and Forest Service Roads, are overseen by other ministries, such as the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. I have shared your correspondence with my colleagues responsible for these ministries so they, too, are aware of your concerns.

Local ministry staff are in the process of planning and prioritizing work for the 2020 construction season and would be pleased to speak with you in more detail about these plans, as well as hear any feedback you have for us. Please do not hesitate to contact the ministry's local District Manager, Katie Ward, by telephone at 250 787-3237 or by email at [email protected], as she would be pleased to assist you.

I hope you find this information helpful. Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Trevena Minister

Copy to: Honourable Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development MLA, Stikine

Honourable Minister of Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources MLA, Nelson-Creston

Katie Ward, District Manager Peace District

February 13, 2020 C-1

November 26, 2019

Honourable Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure PO Box 9055 Prov Stn Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2

Sent Via Email: [email protected]

Dear Minister Trevena;

RE: 2019 UBCM Follow-up

On behalf of the Peace River Regional District Board, I would like to follow up on the conversations that took place with the Board during the 2019 Union of Municipalities Convention in . During the meeting, there was discussion around general transportation issues in the region and the impact that the resource industry has on our roads.

Roads in the PRRD are the backbone of the economy and are a lifeline to the residents. Thousands of vehicles travel these roads every day. They are used by residents, the oil and gas industry, agriculture, forestry and for recreation. The geography, climate and resource industry impose challenges not experienced in other parts of the province. The current condition of our roads, along with seasonal load restrictions, compromises resident safety and restricts the ability for businesses to operate year-round. Our roads require a long-term investment commitment to make them safe, reliable and lasting.

The Regional Board is requesting that the Ministry provide clarification as to whether or not there is Ministry funding allocated to the construction and/or maintenance of oil and gas roads in the region.

Sincerely,

Chair Sperling Peace River Regional District Board

c. Mike Bernier, MLA, Peace River South, [email protected] Dan Davies, MLA, Peace River North, [email protected]

diverse. vast. abundant. PLEASE REPLY TO: X Box 810, 1981 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H8 Tel: (250) 784-3200 or (800) 670-7773 Fax: (250) 784-3201 Email: [email protected] ppppprr9505 [email protected] St, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4 Tel: (250) 785-8084 Fax: (250) 785-1125 Email: [email protected] February 13, 2020