PRESS RELEASE

Date: January 22, 2010

Chief James Thomas, Halalt First Nation, announced today an initiative with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to ensure the movement of commuter, industrial, and local traffic through to the Chemainus and Crofton communities for people to safely get to their jobs, schools, and local businesses.

Some of the pending safety improvements along Chemainus Road through Halalt IR 2 will include the installation of extra road lighting, cross walks, a pedestrian footpath, school bus stops, and parking lots to reduce the congestion of vehicles and conflicts with pedestrians on the road during community gatherings. These improvements are part of Halalt’s vision and with support from the Nautsa mawt Tribal Council allows for the safe and efficient movement of traffic, goods and services, essential for an active and vibrant local economy.

Chief Thomas said, “The announcement in the newspaper today of further job losses at Catalyst Pulp Mill in Crofton must be devastating to the families in our neighbourhood, and it means that more than ever as a community leader, I look to how I can contribute in some small way to ensure that people are safe on Chemainus Road and able to get back and forth along this commuter route.”

The good working relationship between Halalt and the Ministry contributes to the Premier’s New Relationship Initiative and the safety of all road users of the transportation network within the Cowichan Valley. Chief Thomas said “I trust that these safety improvements to Chemainus Road will assist all users to gain confidence that they can travel safely to obtain new and existing economic and employment opportunities.”

For more information, contact Halalt First Nation at (250) 246-4736.