Elaine:
The issue of Highway 19 access to and from Corcan Road is a difficult problem. The existing gate has been permanently closed because it is not safe for the public to access Hwy 19 for north or south access. This access was intended for emergency use only however the general public was using it by building trails around the gate.
The area of Meadowood and Little Qualicum Estates is within the Dashwood Fire Protection Area and all emergency fire operations falls to their jurisdiction. The Ministry of Forests, Wildfire Management Branch, Coastal Fire Centre will support the Dashwood Fire Department for wildfires if they request our assistance.
Presently we have access from the Errington Fire Base to your area via the Melrose Road using a private land owners gate key. I have discussed the situation of an emergency evacuation with Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti. We both agree that the present preferred emergency alternate route would be via this private gated road system leading through to Melrose Road. Unfortunately this emergency access is via a private road and can only be utilized once an emergency evacuation has been declared.
If the Highway 19 access was brought up to the Ministry of Transportation and Highway’s standards there would be many benefits for the entire Meadowood/Corcan/ Little Qualicum Estates area. Some of these would include:
· Faster emergency access to Highway 19 for emergency vehicle and therefore faster response time
· A secure secondary emergency evacuation route should the primary evacuation route of Corcan Road be blocked
· Safe access to Highway 19 for the public
Rob Templeman
Forest Protection Officer
Mid Island Fire Zone
Wildfire Management Branch