The Horne Lake route is not a good choice to transport coal. The only route to offer maximum benefit is the one planned in 1910, from Port Alberni [Beaver Creek] to Cumberland-Comox. The route has already been built by logging companies and was promoted in the 1940s by having residents drive it.
Last Friday during a 30 minute drive “over the hump” I met 25 trucks. I have no idea how many were following me. That would represent at least 80 trucks in one hour, or 640 in an 8 hour day, not the situation to add a fleet of coal trucks to the already broken surface of the road.
Art Skipsey
Qualicum Beach