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BC  

Emergency for First Nation

A state of emergency has been declared by a B.C. First Nation after Highway 99 was closed.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure closed the stretch of road known as the "Ten-Mile Slide", due to accelerated deterioration of the road, prompting the Xaxli'p of Lillooet to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday.
 
The closure, located approximately 15km northeast of Lillooet, severs an important route connecting local First Nation and B.C. communities to Cache Creek, Kamloops, and northern B.C., according to a news release.
 
Xaxli’p will be rerouting band members that require vital services in Kamloops through Highway 12 (Lytton) and 1 (Cache Creek).
 
“Xaxli’p supports the closure, and during this time of emergency, we will be working closely with MOTI and the Regional District of Lillooet to make sure public safety comes first,” said Xaxli’p Chief Darrell Bob.

“Everyone’s involvement is crucial to restoring the highway to full operation because it is an important artery. If the road goes it will have immeasurable and irreversible impacts on our entire region.”
 
The band said the Ten Mile Slide has been a long-standing concern for Xaxli’p, which has been slated by MOTI for much-needed repair work in 2017.

“Right now, it is important that all parties, including those that operate the railway line, honour the closure so that MOTI engineers are able to go in and effectively assess the cause of the aggressive deterioration,” said Bob.
 
The Xaxli’p band said they will remain in close communication with the B.C. Ministry of Transportation, CN Rail, the District of Lillooet, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and will be monitoring progress with respect to addressing next steps.
 
For further information, contact Chief Darrel Bob at 250-256-4800.  



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