Bridge Closure Intensifies Stress for Westham Island Farmers
Charlotte Mitchell, co-owner of Derek Mitchell Farms on Westham Island, is experiencing heightened levels of stress following the closure of the island’s only bridge. The unexpected shutdown, caused by a marine vessel collision, has severely disrupted daily life for the island’s farmers. Mitchell described the current situation as one filled with anxiety and uncertainty. “We are just trying to get products to customers,” she stated.
Bridge Closure Causes Strain for Westham Island Farmers
The Westham Island Bridge, a century-old wooden structure, has been closed to vehicle traffic since Tuesday. This closure has had a significant impact on the island’s agricultural community, which relies on the bridge for transporting goods. Westham Island is home to approximately 200 residents, numerous farms, and key natural reserves like the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Alaksen National Wildlife Area.
Barge Access Amid Repairs
TransLink, the agency responsible for the bridge, revealed that initial inspections showed extensive damage. Plans for a temporary fix allowing limited vehicle use have been scrapped due to safety concerns. Spokesperson Thor Diakow mentioned, “We are currently assessing the damage, but repairs may take several weeks.”
To assist with transportation, the City of Delta has set up barge services. One larger barge operates twice a day for heavy vehicles, while a smaller ferry makes four daily trips for passenger cars. While these services provide some relief, farmers believe they are only a stopgap solution.
- Heavy vehicle barge: 2 trips daily
- Passenger car barge: 4 trips daily
Mayor George Harvie noted that the operation of the large barge costs up to $25,000 per trip. The city has declared a local emergency to facilitate provincial assistance for these financial burdens. Mitchell echoed this sentiment, calling the barge solution a “Band-Aid” and criticizing the slow loading process, which can extend to six hours for larger vehicles.
Impact on Agricultural Operations
The closure has displaced over 1,000 tonnes of seed potatoes that are now stranded in storage. Farmers like Mitchell typically make six deliveries daily but are struggling to maintain their schedules. “We don’t know how we’ll get it across,” she voiced, emphasizing the pressure to meet customer demands.
Other farmers, like Lydia Ryall of Cropthorne Farm, noted that delays are severely impacting their crops. “For us, this is an agricultural disaster economically,” she remarked. Some farmers are facing the dire prospect of defaulting on their mortgages due to this uncertainty.
Additional Complications for Residents
The situation worsened when the City of Delta issued a boil water advisory for Westham Island residents. A leak was found in the watermain located beneath the closed bridge, further complicating the lives of local inhabitants. The city is installing temporary piping to restore water access.
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is currently providing support for emergency services on the island, while the Transportation Safety Board of Canada has initiated an investigation into the bridge incident.
