PRESSING FOR FOREST RESOURCE ROAD FUNDING

“What specific budget has been allocated this fiscal year for the maintenance and repair of forestry roads that provide access to trails, recreation areas, and BC Parks?”

During budget estimates debate on April 9, 2025, MLA Donegal Wilson (Boundary-Similkameen) raised concerns about the underfunding of BC’s forest resource roads — vital infrastructure for rural communities, First Nations, outdoor recreation, and public access to Crown land.

Speaking directly to Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar, Donegal asked: "What specific budget has been allocated this fiscal year for the maintenance and repair of forestry roads that provide access to trails, recreation areas, and BC Parks?" She used the example of McBride, a small northern community that relies on snowmobiling as a winter economic driver. Access to this recreation is currently limited by a critical bridge closure on a forest service road — a clear illustration of how infrastructure gaps directly affect local economies and rural tourism.

📍 Donegal continues to advocate for sustainable recreation access, rural infrastructure, and transparent land-use planning.