Ministry denies blame in ditch debate

Nov 1, 2019 | 5:20 AM

The finger pointing continues over who was to blame for creating dangerous conditions on the highway north of Vernon.

B.C.’s Transportation Ministry is denying responsibility in the incident Wednesday morning that caused water to flow across Highway 97.

The water froze, and caused several vehicles to lose control and crash, which fortunately, did not cause any injuries.

Management of the Castle at Swan Lake Hotel told Vernon Matters, they were lowering their pool that morning and the water went down the bank and onto the highway.

They did not feel responsible, blaming it on “a catch basin failure” caused by a lack of maintenance to clear-out the gravel, sand, weeds and debris in the ditch along the highway.

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In response to that, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure told Vernon Matters there is no ditch at that location, and one is not required based on the needs of their infrastructure.

“The ministry does not design or maintain our ditches to accept water from private businesses, nor are private businesses permitted to drain water onto our infrastructure. Maintaining ditches along provincial roadways falls under the service agreement with their our maintenance contractors,” the statement from the ministry said.

The government department added contractors are responsible for monitoring the condition of roadsides and are expected to carry out the necessary sweeping, brushing and clearing to maintain safe conditions.

“We encourage anyone that notices road or roadside conditions requiring attention to contact the local maintenance contractor, in this case AIM Roads, at 1-866-222-4204,” the statement said.

by Pete McIntyre

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