A vital piece of care for the people of Kyuquot has been improved after it was nearly completely destroyed.
Okime Island is one of approximately 10 forested islands surrounding the north island village, serving as a Red Cross outpost health centre.
Island Health’s North Island Facilities, Maintenance and Operations Manager Tom LeMesurier said a dock was established offshore to bring patients in need of medical attention.
“Anybody brought in by air or boat, anybody brought in for treatment, it could be a marine or logging incident, they would attend to at that dock.”
However, a January 2023 storm made it unable for helicopters to safely land at the dock and made it one big enough storm swell away from the dock disintegrating.
A search began to find someone who could replace or repair the dock to get it back to its full operation.
A Campbell River engineer was selected and built the new dock at the old pulp mill in early 2024, before being broken down again in sections and pulled to Fair Harbour.
A window was then opened in April last year to tow the rest of the dock to Kyuquot, and the dock became fully operational again in May.
LeMesurier said the dock is a crucial piece to the remote community and is thankful Island Health recognized it too.
“It is more than just a dock, it serves a medical purpose, an aviation purpose, and absolutely a vital for life purpose.”
