Public Access Protection Society

08/11/2026

Please sign & share!
“Rady Creek Road “ is scheduled for deactivation this August, putting historic access, wildfire response, recreation, mining access and our rural community at risk.
The Petition requests an immediate pause and proper review before this historic access is permanently lost.
🙏 Please help us spread the word!

Deactivation of the Historical Silver Cup Ridge Trail & Rady Ck Road near Trout Lake BC

08/07/2026

The Hidden Cost of BC Highway Privatization.

The biggest issue with the privatization of BC’s highway maintenance isn't just the physical plowing or grading. It is the systemic erasure of public recordkeeping. A lot of us are seeing the consequences firsthand with backcountry users fighting over access, disputed gates, and roads falling apart. But the root cause is systemic.
When the province shifted to private maintenance contracts, the way we inventory and track our roads changed drastically, and not for the better. This shift has created a massive legal loophole where the inventory of our backcountry access roads, which were roads built entirely with public dollars, is being completely mishandled.
Research into backroads and maintenance contracts has uncovered a few alarming things.
First, the Ministry of Transportation has effectively locked up the archives. Public access to critical road documentation from 1980 to today is restricted in Victoria, making transparent research nearly impossible. Second, the actual way they record public roads now has changed, and they are keeping far less detail than they used to. By stripping away these details and changing how records are kept, it becomes incredibly difficult to legally prove public right-of-way or historical maintenance on decommissioned or neglected forestry and access roads.
When public records vanish, get stripped down, or are withheld, we lose the legal leverage to keep our backcountry open.
Public assets are essentially being treated like private property through bureaucratic neglect.
Privatization didn't just outsource the labor; it outsourced accountability.
If we can't access the records from the last 40 plus years, we can't protect our historical access.
We don't have to just sit back and watch our access disappear though. The Public Access Protection Society is actively fighting to change this. We have launched a formal initiative pushing the provincial government to restore the integrity of our roads by bringing maintenance areas back under direct public, government service. This will keep critical operational knowledge inside the ministry, drop costs, and bring back real oversight. Please take two minutes to protect our access and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/restoring-original-highway-maintenance-program-in-bc

07/13/2026

Deactivation of the Historical Silver Cup Ridge Trail & Rady Ck Road near Trout Lake BC

07/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17t3wPXQ9i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A quick update on the Resource Road Access Survey:

We’ve now received nearly 400 reports from across BC, identifying hundreds of roads, road systems and access routes that matter for outdoor recreation.

The survey is part of the work of ORCBC’s Resource Road Working Group, which brings recreation organizations together to better understand and address access issues across BC.

So far, people are reporting roads that are closed, roads that are still open but difficult to use, and roads where access may be at risk. Common issues include rough road conditions, washouts, missing bridges or culverts, decommissioning, gates, and lack of maintenance.

We’re also hearing practical ideas for solutions, including government funding for priority recreation access routes, shared maintenance agreements, seasonal maintenance, partnerships with clubs and community groups, bridge downgrading instead of full removal, and partial deactivation that keeps recreation access open.

The purpose behind this survey is to help build a clearer provincial picture of where access matters most and where action may be needed.

The survey is staying open until 2027 so we can capture all types of uses and destinations. Take it here: https://www.orcbc.ca/blog/survey

03/20/2026

Restoring Public access to Nine Mile Road, Fruitvale BC

We are working hard to get 9 Mile Road re-opened. Residents of Fruitvale and the surrounding area should care deeply about having this road re-opened. Without access through 9 Mile Road, emergency response times to Pend d’Oreille is significantly longer, and families, residents, and visitors must drive much farther to reach this important community area.
Our legal team at Columbia Valley Law Corporation is providing its services at no cost, but there are still important expenses we need to cover to move this case to trial. We have already raised enough for security for costs. We are currently raising funds to retain a professional surveyor to conduct a detailed survey of a quarter-mile stretch of 9 Mile Road and to review the available photogrammetric data.
Our research already confirms the road’s existence on historical maps. The next step is to obtain expert evidence to support that research with a professional survey and opinion. This expert assistance is critical to our case and will help us present the strongest possible evidence to the Court.
With your support, we can take this important step toward having 9 Mile Road re-opened. This case also has the potential to set a valuable precedent for protecting public access to public roads.
Once the expert report is complete, we will be in a position to place this matter before the Court for determination.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Public access protection society
Lindsay Kenny
[email protected]
https://www.protectpublicroads.ca/donate

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03/02/2026

⚠️ Reported to YRB March 2, 2026 service area 9, 1:30 p.m.
A large, dead tree on the cliff above Highway 6 near Porto Rico at the Bluffs could fall onto the road. Last winter, someone in the same area was seriously injured by a falling tree. These hazardous trees need urgent attention.

02/16/2026

Report Awful Conditions (RAC)

We utilize your RAC reports to show to the Province that road users are not satisfied with current maintenance programs. Do not lower your standards on safety! Share the reality with us so we can let the Province know.

Notice: This is not an emergency line and we are not affiliated with any maintenance contractor, or the Province.

Public Access Protection Society is dedicated to safer roads for everyone. Learn how we advocate for better road maintenance and public safety to prevent accidents and save lives. Join us today.

01/02/2026

What: Period of freezing rain is likely.
Where: - South Okanagan - east of Osoyoos
- Boundary
- West Kootenay - including Trail, Rossland
- Highway 3 - Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass.
When: Saturday morning Jan 4, 2024
Remark: A low pressure system complex off the coast of California will draw warm air and moisture into Southern B.C. interior early Saturday morning. With cold air lingering in the valleys and warm air aloft, conditions are favourable for periods of freezing rain across the region. Elevations between 500 to 1500 metres are likely to have significant freezing rain impacts. Period of freezing rain mixed with snow will change to rain on Saturday afternoon as temperatures rise.

- Roads and walkways will likely become icy and slippery
- Icy surface could be difficult to detect
- Be very careful if walking or driving

Get active alert details. Get the information you need to plan and be safe!

12/31/2025

It's Time to Take Action!
The Public Access Protection Society's website is now live!
Special thanks to Angela of Social Curve Media & Web Management for her exceptional work in developing our website! Have a safe and happy NYE🎉

Public Access Protection Society is dedicated to safer roads for everyone. Learn how we advocate for better road maintenance and public safety to prevent accidents and save lives. Join us today.

12/27/2025

***Dec. 26. 2025 8:40pm***
First responder who wish to remain anonymous indicates heavy slush on highways with no traction control measures in place.
Service area 9.
Picture taken in Beaver Falls RDKB.
⚠️Report made to YRB.⚠️
‼️ direct complaints to your service area here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/contracting-to-transportation/highway-bridge-maintenance/highway-maintenance/boundary-maps