Businesses along the Fraser Canyon are breathing a sigh of relief as a nearly two-month closure of a section of Highway 1 has finally been lifted. The closure, prompted by the Brunswick wildfire complex near Boston Bar, began on July 7 and had a brief reopening before being shut down again.
Despite the fires still burning, the provincial authorities deemed it safe enough for a partial reopening on Wednesday, allowing some businesses to resume operations. For Jewel Rice, co-owner of Hilltop Gardens Farm near Spences Bridge, the reopening was a much-needed development after suffering significant losses during the closure.
Rice expressed frustration over the impact on her business, noting that the lack of customers due to the highway closure had severely affected their revenue. In contrast, Laurie Kingston, co-owner of the Bates Motel in the same area, mentioned that their business remained profitable, catering to long-term construction workers who kept them busy even during the closure period.
In Lytton, north of Boston Bar, organizers of the Lytton River Festival welcomed the reopening of Highway 1, as it eased concerns about the event’s accessibility. The festival, scheduled for September 5 and 6, offers a platform for music, dancing, and local culture, drawing visitors from the Lower Mainland and beyond.
The restored highway access is seen as a boon for businesses and event organizers alike, providing a much-needed lifeline after a challenging period marked by wildfires and road closures. Despite the setbacks faced by businesses like Hilltop Gardens Farm, they remain resilient and hopeful for better days ahead.