Bamfield Residents Defy Roadblocks as RCMP Respond to Crisis

UPDATE: Tensions escalated in Bamfield, British Columbia, as residents defied roadblocks on Bamfield Road amid a community crisis. The road has been closed since August 11 due to the Mount Underwood wildfire, and locals are demanding immediate access to restore their livelihoods and safety.

On Sunday afternoon, Ross Griffiths, a Bamfield resident, walked through the barriers that have effectively isolated the town. He expressed outrage over the continued closure, stating, “There’s no reason for them to have it closed.” Griffiths’s frustrations are echoed by many in the community who are grappling with the impact on local businesses and essential services.

The RCMP were dispatched as residents protested the roadblocks, capturing images that suggested the road remains intact. “I just have zero trust in the system that’s being implemented at the moment,” said local business owner Colin McLennan. His concerns highlight a growing sentiment among residents that they are being overlooked in favor of industrial needs.

Residents, including Paul Demontigny and Sherry Harrison, reported feeling neglected, stating, “We’re not a priority at all.” The closure has forced them to navigate lengthy detours—up to nine hours—to access basic necessities such as medical appointments in nearby Port Alberni.

The community has recently learned of a bypass road, just one kilometer before the main roadblock, opened by Mosaic Forest Management for logging operations. This revelation has fueled further anger among locals, who argue that they should also be allowed to use this route. “We could have done the road ourselves by now,” McLennan added, emphasizing their frustration with the ongoing situation.

In a statement to CHEK News, the Ministry of Transportation confirmed that Bamfield Road remains closed due to ongoing restoration work, including the removal of over 1,000 dangerous trees in challenging terrain. The ministry announced that the road is not expected to reopen until the end of October 2023.

As the situation develops, local businesses face another month of lost tourism, exacerbating the urgency for immediate action. Residents are increasingly desperate for answers, with many voicing their concerns to media outlets and online platforms.

The Bamfield community is urging officials to prioritize their needs and restore access to their town. As the RCMP continue to monitor the situation, residents remain steadfast in their fight for their rights and the survival of their businesses.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.