Hwy 924 safety threat

Conlan was born and raised in Northern Saskatchewan. She now lives in Kelowna, B.C.

Various websites funded by Saskatchewan taxpayers’ money provide information on provincial highway conditions and promote Saskatchewan as a tourism destination.

Yet these sites don’t mention the progressive degeneration of Highway 924 — the 65 kilometres of gravel roadway that leads to Dore Lake. Known as the Dore Lake Road, it is accessed by Highway 304 from Meadow Lake or Highway 55 North from Big River, both of which are paved.

It’s apparent Highway 924 was not constructed to bear the weight or frequency of heavy traffic. Travelling there last summer, I met approximately seven transports carrying logs within the first 20 kilometres, and encountered “potholes” that could swallow small vehicles. These spots and the restrictive road width make it dangerous to encounter log carriers.

With regard to tourism, the websites don’t mention the rape of the land that’s perpetrated to keep these transports moving logs. Bare areas along the road, whose trees at one time enticed visitors, now don’t serve as an invitation for tourists to return. Extending this pillage of the land can only further discourage tourism.

Local lodges and outfitters that attract tourists from the United States and elsewhere will see their business decline, and wildlife recede as the trees disappear. Longtime residents have noticed the absence of some species of birds.

There are subdivisions of both permanent and seasonal inhabitants at Dore hamlet and toward Michelle Point. These people have made lives and investments in Saskatchewan not expecting to have the land and highway deteriorate.

The original residents of Dore Lake built communities and raised families, and saw development and amenities increase. Now they are comfortably retired and wish to enjoy their retirement where they lived and built homes.

However, a trip to emergency at Meadow Lake Hospital could be fatal on this road in the summer. They deserve to have a passable road to make that trip and get the medical care they need. It’s appalling that the horrible road conditions are not being addressed by the government.

Companies should not be issued permits to log indiscriminately. Designated handsoff areas would decrease logging and reduce heavy traffic. Logging companies either should build their own roads, or at least pay for extensive maintenance of the highway.

There have been town meetings at Dore Lake and Big River inviting people to voice concerns. However, these meetings centred on logging plans while residents just wanted answers regarding the road. The two issues are one and the same, but the loggers are not required to have any responsibility for the road. The government, too, seems to have no plans to rebuild the highway.

How do these residents get the government’s attention to act before a disaster happens on Highway 924?

Although I am not a Saskatchewan taxpayer I am a tourist, and the money spent on promoting tourism entitles me to voice my concerns.