Summary

• Province, TransLink will provide support to the City of Delta to maintain barge service to and from Westham Island during bridge repairs
• Barge service ensures agricultural goods, food and community essentials continue to move during bridge closure
• Westham Island provides more than 25% of B.C.’s seed potatoes, which supply potato farms throughout the province

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The Province and TransLink are providing funding support for emergency barge service to and from Westham Island in Delta, ensuring access to an important part of B.C.’s food security and food supply.

Transport of goods related to public safety, including emergency and health-related supplies and services, is essential while repairs to the Westham Island Bridge are underway following significant damage caused by a vessel strike.

The Westham Island Bridge, owned by TransLink, was closed due to safety concerns after it was struck by a marine vessel on Jan. 20, 2026. Westham Island produces more than 25% of B.C.’s seed potatoes, as well as other fruit and vegetables, honey and livestock on more than 700 hectares of land. While repairs are in progress, the Province and TransLink will support the continued transport of essential goods.

“This commitment by the Province will make sure British Columbians can continue to benefit from the produce grown by farmers on Westham Island,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “I share the concerns of farmers, and I want to acknowledge the rapid response and tireless efforts by the City of Delta to help the agricultural community at this critical time.”

The Province will support the City of Delta by reimbursing eligible transport costs of goods to and from the island that are related to public health, safety, urgent animal welfare and provincial food security. TransLink is providing funding to the City of Delta through its local government funding programs to support effective goods movement.

Supporting B.C.’s food supply

Westham Island has a farming community that contributes to the provincial economy and food security. The island produces a variety of crops on more than 700 hectares, including seed potatoes, vegetables and berries, as well as providing forage and pasture.

Continued barge access means seed-potato farmers on the island will be able to deliver their crops to Lower Mainland vegetable producers in time for them to prepare and plant for this year’s harvest.

“Westham Island plays an important role in helping feed people across British Columbia,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Maintaining reliable access means emergency equipment and other critical supplies can continue moving to and from the island. This is essential to protecting the health and safety of people and livestock who depend on that connection.”

Bridge repairs underway

The Province and TransLink are working to restore the Westham Island Bridge to safety standards as quickly as possible. Engineering inspections determined that one of the bridge’s primary support structures sustained significant damage when a vessel hit the bridge.

The impact shifted sections of the bridge out of alignment and damaged a bearing that connects the bridge deck to the pier, leaving the bridge unable to safely carry vehicle loads. Repairs could take several weeks to complete.

Factors such as weather, soil conditions, tidal fluctuations and findings during ongoing construction may affect the schedule and cause significant delays. TransLink is committed to providing updated timelines as soon as information becomes available.

"To help protect food security, TransLink is providing funding to the City of Delta to sustain barge operations and secure temporary warehouse space for farmers, supporting the continued movement of essential agricultural products, emergency supplies and everyday necessities on and off the island,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink.

Support from City of Delta

The City of Delta has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and taken steps to ensure the safety and availability of services for Westham Island residents.

The City of Delta, TransLink and the Province are continuing to work with farmers on Westham Island and assisting them with agricultural impacts and concerns.

Quotes:

Derek Mitchell, owner, Derek Mitchell Farms Ltd. –

“When the bridge was damaged, we knew right away that if a solution wasn’t figured out quickly, our family farm was going to be in trouble. Fresh food needs to move quickly, and delays put real pressure on producers who depend on our certified seed potatoes. With this support, we can keep orders on track and continue serving growers and customers while maintaining B.C.’s food security.”

Lydia Ryall, owner, Cropthorne Farm –

“We sell our fresh organic produce year-round to farmers markets and local restaurants. It is our livelihood and our community counts on us. The bridge may be broken but the local food chain is not, and this support helps us stay connected and keep locally grown food moving to the people who need it.”

George V. Harvie, mayor, Delta

“When an emergency occurs, local government has to step up and do what’s right for the community. Delta did so knowing our partners would be there, and we’re grateful for how quickly the Province and TransLink responded. Their support will help meet immediate needs of residents and maintain critical transportation for farmers, helping to protect local food security as bridge repairs continue.”

Quick Facts:

• Westham Island produces a variety of crops on more than 700 hectares, including potatoes and other root vegetables, berries, and forage and pasture land.
• Seed potatoes are high-grade potatoes used by farmers and commercial producers to grow eating potatoes.
• The Westham Island Bridge is the island’s only road access point.
• Emergency barging is required to move agriculture and essential goods, vehicles and equipment.
• Provincial funding is being provided through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

Learn More:

• City of Delta, Westham Island updates: https://www.delta.ca/westhamislandupdates
• British Columbia Certified Seed Potato Growers Association: https://bcseedpotatoes.com/
• BCfresh information on potatoes: https://bcfresh.ca/potatoes/