Snowmobile closures threatens area economy, Chetwynd mayor says

The District of Chetwynd has sent a letter to Premier John Horgan, explaining how South Peace snowmobile closures are threatening the town’s economy by pushing away seasonal tourists and local riders. 

It's alleged that a 1,400 metre-high altitude mark has left the 71 percent of open areas functionally closed, as riders must cross the closed areas to reach the open terrain. 

In the letter, Mayor Allen Courtoreille says the community never agreed to the closure terms, nor were they given an opportunity to review the provincial release. 

 “The future of small communities like ours depends on the seasonal influx of guests including the snowmobilers, hockey teams and others,” writes Courtoreille, who says he’s observed “sharp decrease” in snowmobiling activity.

“This may be the straw that did the camel in; we need a better avenue than what looks like a non-resident making a decision to meet a deadline and someone who did not have the knowledge of the area topography.”

In a Dec. 21 release, 454,000 hectares of crown land in 13 South Peace riding areas were declared closed to protect caribou habitat and aid population recovery.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says they’re unaware of riding areas that have become isolated to due to the closures, and says an email response is being prepared for Chetwynd.

“BC is unaware of any identified riding areas that have become isolated because of the new closures. BC will follow up with local governments and clubs to identify issues and solutions,” wrote a spokesperson with the ministry.

They added that extensive engagement and consultation occurred throughout the process, including local governments, such as the District of Chetwynd.  

Courtorielle said the decision by the ministry ignores “hundreds of hours of work” put in by snowmobile association members and stakeholders.

“It showed poor judgment on behalf of the Province to imply that Chetwynd was in full agreement,” he writes.

MP Bob Zimmer, Peace River North MLA Dan Davies, and Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier have also expressed their concerns over the closures, penning their own letter to Premier Horgan, asking the province to reconsider.

“This issue expands much beyond the Peace Region as residents from across British Columbia and Alberta recreate in our backcountry. We are asking the government to come back to the community, to listen, and come up with a more agreeable solution,” wrote the trio on Jan. 27.  

The closures have previously drawn condemnation and concern from local municipal leaders at the Peace River Regional District earlier this year, accusing the province of “dishonesty”.

The Blueberry River First Nations Cumulative Effects decision has also complicated matters, added Courtorielle, alongside other provincial policies.

“Combined with the Old Growth Forest Management review, the Blueberry River First Nations (Yahey) vs. Province of British Columbia Cumulative Effects decision and the various Caribou Habitat Recovery actions, Provincial policies threaten to deliver a severe blow to Chetwynd’s economy,” wrote Courtoreille.

You can read the letters below: 

District of Chetwynd - Snowmobile Restrictions in South Peace Area by Tom Summer on Scribd

MP Zimmer and MLAs Bernier and Davies - Motorized Recreation in the Peace River Region Backcountry by Tom Summer on Scribd

Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative. Email Tom at [email protected]