This fall, responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Murray Forest Service Road near Tumbler Ridge will be transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier today on behalf of Minister Todd Stone.

“One of the priorities in our B.C. on the Move 10-year transportation plan was to find opportunities to maintain public access to resource and backcountry roads,” said Stone. “With the transfer of Murray Forest Service Road to the ministry, we will be able to ensure that the road is maintained to a standard that supports regular traffic for residents and for tourists visiting the region.”

Previously, the Murray Forest Service Road, also known locally as Kinuseo Falls Road, was under the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. The road is approximately 50 kilometres long and runs from Highway 52E south of Tumbler Ridge to the Kinuseo Falls and Monkman Provincial Park and Campground.

This change will ensure consistent and ongoing maintenance of the road during the summer months, so residents and tourists can have better access to these tourist attractions. The road also accesses a large portion of the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark, a site designated as an area with geological heritage of international significance, and recognized by UNESCO.

Maintenance work on the road will begin this fall, with additional work planned for next spring.

“I’m thrilled that the ministry has been able to proceed with the transfer of the Kinuseo Falls Road this fall,” said Bernier. “This is something the District of Tumbler Ridge has been asking for and the commitment by the ministry to maintain the road will give the district the opportunity to promote the spectacular tourist attractions in the area.”

The ministry will be discussing options with the district for a new name for the road, one that will better reflect the tourism links in the area.

“I want to thank Mike Bernier for helping Council reach the goal of having the road to Kinuseo Falls maintained in summer,” said Tumbler Ridge mayor Don McPherson. “Kinuseo Falls is one of the most beautiful in the world. It is taller than Niagara Falls and its image has been used to promote Canada across the world. Being able to keep the road maintained for tourists in the summer will help give tourists confidence to visit this wonderful place.”

B.C. on the Move is the government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.7 billion over the next three years to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.

Learn more:

B.C. on the Move is available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove