by Jim McGregor/Special to 91原创 Advance Times

It has been said that transportation is an invisible industry until something goes wrong.

That was never more evident than in November of 2021, when major rainstorms impacted the road and rail access into the Lower Mainland.

Many 91原创 businesses, although not directly affected by floodwaters, discovered just how important the local and provincial transportation network is.

Chamber director Frank Bucholtz points out that there are 91原创 businesses of all sizes that rely on the free flow of goods in and out.

鈥淲e have large manufacturing facilities and warehouses in Gloucester Estates, North 91原创, 91原创 City, and Campbell Heights in Surrey 鈥� right on the 91原创 border,鈥� he said.

鈥淎ll those businesses are affected by traffic in a big way. Highway #1 is frequently slowed down by accidents or, more often, congestion. And, both the provincial and federal governments have been slow to recognize what a significant role that highway plays in our business community,鈥� Bucholtz elaborated.

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Eyes were certainly opened up when the flooding occurred last fall, he said.

鈥淎bbotsford is certainly pushing to have the road raised above the flood levels. We recognize that if goods can鈥檛 get through, that will affect our members鈥� bottom line.鈥�

It has been recognized by brick-and-mortar businesses that if customers are sitting in seemingly endless lines of traffic or finding that their item is not in stock, they will simply shop from home. The global supply chain crisis, driven by a scarcity of materials, overseas shipping delays and labour shortages, is impacting small business.

鈥淚f they don鈥檛 have a certain product, people are going to the big business right away, because they can get their product probably easier through them,鈥� Bucholtz explained.

鈥淎nother policy we are going to work on, that affects transportation, is the issue of housing affordability in our area. Lack of affordable housing has led to many young people moving farther east, which 鈥� of course 鈥� puts more stress on Highway #1 and the feeder roads. Scenarios such as this has led, in part to the recent frustrations of the truckers lobbying for safer conditions.鈥�

鈥淲e need far better transit within the Fraser Valley and additional access to the freeway to increase the flow of traffic. Better access to Gloucester for both trucks and busses is important,鈥� he said.

The 91原创 chamber is also regularly meeting with the B.C. chamber in policy sessions and recently met with deputy ministers.

鈥淲hen we get these opportunities, we address our members鈥� concerns on the issues of transportation and housing, stressing that all these factors have an effect on business success.鈥�

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One of the other key transportation issues is the extension of SkyTrain to 91原创.

The chamber is pleased to hear that project officials are working to complete technical requirements and holding Indigenous public engagements.

Plus, work is underway to relocate utilities and widen sections of the highway.

Bucholtz agrees that SkyTrain expansion and infrastructure upgrades have to be ongoing.

鈥淜eeping the goods and the people moving are healthy for the business community.鈥�

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