It has now been a week since an accident on Miworth Road claimed the life of a young man from Prince George. This incident is a tragedy and my thoughts go out to the friends and family of the deceased.
While this accident has not been officially tied to the recreational activity that occurs on the Nechako River, it is more than likely the case that it was. As a resident of Miworth, and as someone who lives close to Wilkins Park in particular, I (along with many others) have been concerned that someone returning to retrieve their vehicle at Wilkins Park after floating down the river (and drinking while doing so) would drive home while intoxicated, potentially killing themselves and someone else. It appears that this finally happened.
The weather for this weekend is looking good. It is looking like it is going to be hot and sunny. As a result, floaters will be out in force. Indeed, even this afternoon people are flocking to Wilkins Park to enjoy the trip down the river. I am hoping that tonight, for the rest of the week, this weekend, and for the rest of the summer, for that matter, the incident that occurred on Canada Day will be in the minds of all of the people coming out this way. I also hope that the memorial that Mr. Rossetti's friends have established at the scene of his death will help in this regard. I urge all of the people coming to Wilkins Park to float down the Nechako have designated drivers for the return trip to retrieve your vehicles.
I also urge you to travel within the speed limit along all of the roads in this area. I hope that we all can learn something from this tragic event so that it never happens again.
Barry Booth
Prince George
