Residents skeptical about a quick Darlings Island flood fix

Spring is here and that means more talk about the potential, and probable flooding Darlings Island could see this season.

It’s a yearly concern for the island. Just two years ago the water rose so high residents had to be transported by boat to get to work and school, which led to increased calls for a permanent remedy.

The Department of Transportation says engineering studies on the road have been completed and another firm has been hired to come up with recommendations on how to address the problem.

But for at least one resident of this island, that comes as little comfort.

“It’s another stalling tactic to keep the Darlings Island people off their back until they eventually have to do something,” island resident Don Bishop said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's another stalling tactic to keep the Darlings Island people off their back until they eventually have to do something," island resident Don Bishop said.

Bishop was one of the residents who boated to the mainland in 2014.

Last year, the government said it wouldn’t pay for a shuttle if more flooding happened, but luckily it wasn’t needed.

Bishop says residents deserve a guarantee of a boat, at least until a permanent fix is in place.

“We see neighbours that have put up with a lot of problems with the children going to school, with them commuting back and forth getting to work etc.” he said.

“There’s always the problem of emergencies on the island for ambulance and fire.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There's always the problem of emergencies on the island for ambulance and fire."

The MLA for the island, Gary Crossman, says the majority of the residents want the road raised. He also believes it should be made straight.

“There were fires last summer,” Crossman said. “One fire at the end of the island and one at a farm nearby and they couldn’t save the house at the time and that’s when the roads are good.”

Crossman says transportation and infrastructure minister Roger Melanson has visited the island and knows the problem. Yet, there hasn’t been any committment on when work will be done.

“I personally don’t think its been a big deal in the scheme of things. The cost is minimum compared to the safety for others.”