Store shelves in Prince George are emptying as people panic buy due to highway closures in the southern interior in the aftermath of massive flooding and mudslide events.
However, grocery store chains are urging shoppers to remain calm as they find alternative ways to get products to Prince George.
This is a message being echoed by Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO, Todd Corrigall.
“Human nature in these instances will take over. We saw this with hysterical toilet paper purchases 20 months ago. This is a similar type of scenario. I think people truly believe that the bulk of our supply will be coming out of the Lower Mainland and that there won't be things unless they snap them up, but everything is still available,” explained Corrigall. “The issue is not as severe as people may expect it to be.”
Corrigall noted that Prince George is located on both Highway 97 and Highway 16, which means there are alternative routes for supplies to reach the city.
“We have Highway 16 in both directions. One route takes us right to the foreign Prince Rupert and the other one takes us right into Alberta so those are two significant supply chain opportunities via rail and via Highway 16.”
Corrigall said he does not see a significant issue for Prince George as a result of the road closures in the Lower Mainland and urges local shoppers to remain calm.
“So please be courteous, remain calm, and kind to other people, particularly shoppers and front-line workers at our stores. But also remember that shopping local, will be your best option at this point. Ordering online will be more greatly impacted than shopping local.”
Reports of panic buying comes at a time when there were already supply chain constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the holiday shopping season here, there are concerns retailers won’t have enough stock to fill their shelves and meet demand, during one of their busiest times of the year.
However, experts are noting there’s more flexibility in supply chains than one might assume.
“The logistics supply chain industry and trucking is part of that, is extremely good at finding alternatives and coming up with solutions. That’s what we’re paid to do,” said Dave Earle, President and CEO, BC Trucking Association, in an interview with Castanet.
“Even if there are long-term repairs needed on major routes, we will find a way to get goods through, [the] government will find a way to support the movement of goods and people.
"It’s not going to be easy. No one is looking forward to this by any stretch, but we’re confident we’ll find a way to be able to keep the supply chain moving," he adds.
Earle’s advice, don’t panic, they’re used to weather-related disruptions.
“One of the things to keep in mind is that, as much as this is unprecedented in terms of a flood event, we see this every winter with snow events. And at times it can be one highway, at times it can be all three of the major routes. Sometimes it’s a day, sometimes it’s more.”
Consumers can expect to pay more, but not an excessive amount.
Earle explains that 10 per cent of the cost of goods is generally related to transportation, and a major disruption could end up adding an additional one per cent.
Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth was asked about the situation Tuesday.
“The rail links to Kamloops to the rest of Canada are operating, the trucks routes east to west across Northern B.C. through Alberta to bring good and supplies in are operating.”
“There are challenges, but there are also options," he added, explaining the situation is not that dire.
In terms of mail delivery, Canada post has placed Prince George as well as the rest of Western Canada on a yellow alert.
This means Canada Post will attempt delivery but customers may experience some delays in receiving items.
“We understand the impact this difficult situation is having on many people in B.C., and we are working hard to put contingency plans in place to restore or maintain postal services,” said Phil Legault, media relations with Canada Post.
On Monday Canada Post issued the yellow service alert for Western Canada but a red service alert for Merritt B.C.
A red service alert means that Canada Post is suspending delivery and not sending out delivery agents. Delivery will resume once conditions improve and it’s safe to do so.
“In the meantime, all lettermail items and mail that cannot be delivered are being held in safe and secure Canada Post facilities until contingency plans are in place and communicated.”
Due to adverse weather conditions including flooding, rockslides and mudslides in B.C., there are multiple road closures affecting ground transportation of mail and parcels across Western Canada.
Canada Post says customers needing to send time-sensitive items to or from western Canada should consider using Xpresspost or Priority service to help ensure timely delivery.
- with files from Cindy White, Castanet
