Leaders from every level of government on Haida Gwaii are asking the province to strengthen its on-island highways presence following a recent washout that raised concerns about road reliability and emergency access.
The All Islands Protocol Table has drafted a joint letter to Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth requesting that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit ensure the Masset highways office is fully staffed and able to monitor road and drainage conditions across the islands.
Daajing Giids council voted March 2 to support the letter as circulated.
The protocol table brings together the Council of the Haida Nation, Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council, the municipalities of Daajing Giids, Masset and Port Clements, and the North Coast Regional District’s rural directors.
The letter says a December 2025 washout caused by heavy rainfall highlighted how dependent communities are on the island highway network for travel, freight and emergency services.
Island leaders warn that with more extreme weather events expected, the risk of future closures could increase unless road and drainage conditions are closely monitored.
“The Protocol Table member governments are very concerned about risks of highway degradation and closure, and advocate that increased monitoring on-island would reduce that risk,” the letter states.
The request focuses on maintaining a stronger Ministry of Transportation presence on Haida Gwaii so potential problems can be identified and addressed early.
“The event also highlighted how strongly our two hospitals rely on consistent transportation networks for supplies, propane, medication, and other critical resources,” the letter notes.
Island leaders say stronger monitoring on the ground would help reduce the risk of future highway disruptions.
