Residents of Horsefly, Likely and neighbouring communities are reminded that, due to ongoing site rehabilitation of Hazeltine Creek, the Horsefly-Likely Forest Service Road (Ditch Road) remains closed to all unauthorized persons and vehicle traffic until further notice.

The presence of heavy industrial equipment operating in the area following the Mount Polley tailings pond breach makes it necessary, in the interest of public safety, to keep Gavin and Horsefly-Polley Lake forest service roads closed as well.

Polley Lake and Raft Creek recreation sites were also affected by the Mount Polley breach and will remain closed to the public during the stream rehabilitation and habitat reconstruction process.

The work is expected to be complete and the roads open by fall 2015. Until that time, residents will be unable to use Ditch Road as an alternative route between Horsefly and Likely.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operation staff are working with Mount Polley Mining Corporation to determine the final location of any bridges crossing Hazeltine Creek and on the reconstruction of forest service roads.

Anyone with an authorized reason to access Ditch Road is advised to contact staff at Mount Polley Mine directly at 250 790-2215 for assistance.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261