Provincial state of emergency and gas limits extended

Emergency measures are being extended in British Columbia to deal with the ongoing flooding and extreme weather events.

“We are still in a volatile and dynamic situation,” public safety minister Mike Farnworth told a provincial update Monday.

Farnworth announced an extension to the order to limit fuel to non-essential vehicles (maximum 30 litres) in some areas to Dec. 14. That applies to drivers from the Lower Mainland to Hope, the Sea to Sky area, the Sunshine Coast, Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.

“The fuel conservation measures are working and I want to thank British Columbians for their patience, but we need to stay the course for another two weeks until we have the Trans Mountain pipeline back online,” Farnworth explained.

Farnworth also announced an extension to the provincial state of emergency to the end of the day on Dec. 14th.

“Extending the state of emergency will support the ongoing response and recovery from the widespread damage from flooding and allow us to take necessary steps for the days ahead,” the minister said.

Farnworth also extended the travel orders restricting non-essential travel on Highways 3, 7 and 99.

Bruce Ralston, minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources, said the Trans Mountain pipeline provides the majority of transportation fuels for the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

“The pipeline has been down since Nov. 14, 2021 although crews have been working around the clock to restart the line in a phased approach,” said Ralston.