Flooding in Merritt, B.C. on Nov. 15, 2021. (Photo from Twitter)

By Darren Rathwell

B.C. disaster to impact local supply chains: expert

Nov 17, 2021 | 5:19 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The pandemic has brought on a number of shortages of goods and services already, but an unfolding disaster in B.C. will likely mean even more supply issues, businesses and academics told CHAT News on Wednesday.

Sections of a pair of major routes, the Coquihalla and Trans-Canada Highways, have been closed due to flooding and landslides, leaving transport routes blocked, motorists stranded on roads and truckers delayed.

A supply expert with the University of Alberta says it all adds up to more supply chain problems.

“Between now and December, Christmas trees and decorations (are) already in the stores, and they’re not an issue. But other things like gift items, toys still coming in, that would be a problem,” Edy Wong, associate dean international with the Alberta School of Business, said.

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“It hurts the whole country, not just B.C. or whatever, it hurts everybody,” Hartley Porteous, a trucker travelling through Medicine Hat, said.

Porteous is transporting a truck and trailer from Ottawa, and said, “there’s not much traffic, because nothing’s moving out of Vancouver.'”

He was headed for Vancouver, but instead will be staying in Calgary until the way is clear.

Other truckers are stuck on B.C. highways where sections have been destroyed by flooding.

Alberta farmer Jesse Meyers is hauling grain, while others are hauling livestock, but now are seeing their commodities cut off from market.

“We take the Coquihalla Highway and option number two would (usually) be the Trans-Canada,” Meyers said.

Canada’s busiest port, in Vancouver, is blocked too, as the Port of Vancouver says all rail traffic in and out has been halted while CP Rail and CN Rail inspect damage to their rail lines.

There are problems too with product going to B.C., and farmers are among those taking a hit.

“Canola, potash.. they would have to be transported by rail, this makes it impossible,” Wong said, adding construction is also facing issues from the B.C disaster.

The Medicine Hat Construction association agrees, saying some local companies are being told to expect delays for some products.

“Wood products, metal products, bathroom fittings that come in… anything made maybe in China or the far east that is sent into Port of Vancouver,” John Digman, the construction association’s executive director said.

Meanwhile, B.C. truck driver Porteus is just interested in getting home.

“I’ve been on the road a couple of weeks now. It’d be nice to get home, but just have to wait and see. But yeah, it’s pretty serious.”