Final report - Integrated Land Management Bureau

WAGLISLA (BELLA BELLA)
Transportation Assessment of the Central & North Coast of BC
Waglisla is located on Campbell Island beside Seaforth Channel. It is also know as
New Bella Bella. It is the largest settlement on the outer Central Coast and is the
home of the Heiltsuk Nation. It also serves as the main supply and communication
centre on the outer Central Coast. In 2006, Bella Bella had a population of
approximately 788 people, down 13% from the population level in 2001. 50
Government services represent the largest portion of the labour force with
approximately 30 percent employed in health and education services; including
employment in band administration would increase this number. The resource
sector, with employment in commercial fishing and forestry activities provides
employment for approximately 19 percent of the labour force. Shellfish
aquaculture pilot projects have been initiated in several Central Coast
communities, including Bella Bella, and it is hoped that this will generate greater
local employment. Tourism is increasingly recognized as an important potential
source of economic growth in Bella Bella, but this sector is just beginning to grow.
Retail, manufacturing, construction, transportation and accommodation services
comprise the remaining jobs in Bella Bella.
Pacific Coastal Airlines provides daily scheduled service to Bella Bella. There is a
3,500’ paved runway on Campbell Island with an air terminal. The air terminal
often fills up during the summer months, and the community has lobbied both
federal and provincial government for a larger one, as well as lights on the airstrip
to guide aircraft at night. Although Bella Bella is a regional transportation hub,
there is no direct air connection to Prince Rupert on the North Coast. Charter
flights are available in Bella Bella from Bella Coola Air and West Coast Helicopters
in Bella Coola.
Campbell Island at McLoughlin Bay is a port of call for BC Ferries’ Inside Passage
(Route 10) and Discovery Coast (Route 40) services. Ferries on the Discovery Coast
route visit Bella Bella a few times per week during the summer between June 1 to
mid September, but service is curtailed during the winter months, with only Route
10 in service, making two trips per month in each direction. This is Bella Bella’s
main source of fresh food shipments, which are transported weekly from the Lower
Mainland by Heiltsuk Freight Company on refrigerated or freezer trucks.
There are four docks in Bella Bella:
• government dock, used as point of sale by Bella Bella Fuel, and accommodates
marine aircraft and a range of private and commercial fishing vessels;
• a roro ramp at the south end of town (off reserve), used by BC Ferries;
50 Census Canada 2006.
Chisholm Consulting 41