Vehicular access to Rennell Sound has been shut down again after significant damage was found along the Rennell Sound Forest Service Road. The Ministry of Forests closed the route at the 1-kilometre mark on Nov. 14, citing major failures in wooden box culverts that pose a safety risk to drivers.
The closure blocks all access to Rennell Sound, one of the few points on Haida Gwaii where residents can reach the rugged west coast by road. The area is well known for camping, backcountry access, recreational fishing and its proximity to the Duu Guusd Heritage Site and Conservancy.
Northwest residents are familiar with disruptions to this route. In late 2022 a series of severe washouts and road failures shut the Rennell Sound FSR for most of the following year. Major repairs were required before limited access was restored in 2023. The newly announced culvert failures raise concerns about long term stability on a road built across steep, high rainfall terrain.
Taan Forest, which shared the ministry notice, emphasized that the closure is in place until further notice and will remain active while assessments and repair planning are underway. The company directed the public to the Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District’s road-safety information page for updates.
The Ministry of Forests has not yet provided a timeline for repairs or reopening. The extent of the culvert damage has not been publicly detailed, but crews are expected to evaluate structural integrity before developing a work plan.
Updates will be posted through the Ministry of Forests as further assessments are completed.
