Horgan promises help for wildfire evacuees
New Democrats take power following swearing-in ceremony
VICTORIA — The more than 45,000 people forced by wildfires to flee their homes were top of mind for John Horgan as he was sworn in as premier of British Columbia on Tuesday, becoming the first New Democrat to take on the role in 16 years.
Speaking in Victoria, Horgan said he and the 22 members of his newly appointed cabinet would do whatever it takes to support those residents affected by the dozens of blazes tearing across the province’s central and southern Interior.
“I want to commit to those who are in distress today that these 11 men and 11 women will be working as hard as we can to ensure that we get through this crisis and you are back in your homes safe and building a future for your families in this great province,” Horgan said in his first speech as B.C.’s 35th premier.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations required that the bridge work in 2012 be conducted during the summer, when the environmental impact on Deep Creek and the spawning grounds was considered to be lowest.
If the ministry makes the same determination again for the optimal timing of the necessary bridge work, Hardy Falls park could be closed not only for the rest of this year, but until the middle of 2018.
“We’ll have to see how things work out for the recovery plan, funding and when we can get the work started,” Smith said. “Right now, we’re just saying that it will be closed for this year.”