While getting government to take action is normally a slow process, one local group has managed to expedite the process.
Road drainage has been an ongoing issue in the West Howe Sound area, as certain roadways have fallen into poor shape.
The West Howe Sound Community Association wrote a letter to Trans-portation Minister Blair Lekstrom requesting necessary action be taken to have proper maintenance work completed and roads returned to a reasonable state of repair.
"If your roof leaks, you fix it before the ceiling falls on top of you," wrote association president Mark Hiltz. "We see our roads leaking, breaking up and washing into the sea."
In addition to the letter, Hiltz attached a dozen photos illustrating the poor condition of the affected roads.
In 2006, a report was assembled for both the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and the B.C. Ministry of Transportation highlighting drainage issues.
"The SCRD is trying to partner with the ministry and figure out roles and responsibilities and who ultimately should pay to repair the major drainage problems. That's been going on for six or seven years," Hiltz said in a follow-up interview with Coast Reporter. "What we're trying to do is deal with what can happen at a neighbourhood level. So that's money that currently exists, in the highways maintenance budget, and needs to address issues. The premise is that most drainage problems start small and they get bigger over time."
The association received an emailed response from the ministry, followed by a phone call from area manager Don Legault. A formal letter from the minster, Hiltz said, will be sent in the near future.
As a result of their lobbying, work has begun in the area. While a specific timeline has not been released, ministry spokesperson Jeff Knight has confirmed some work is currently taking place.
"Usually people just say 'our roads are in a terrible state, could you do something?' Ours was a little different approach," Hiltz said. "This is not a magic bullet, that we send one letter and all our drainage issues are dealt with. It's the most action we've had in quite a while."
Hiltz said the association will see what happens while waiting for the formal letter from the ministry and plan to examine the possibility of bringing the matter up again in the fall.
