QUESNEL, B.C. — B.C. Transportation Minister, Judith Reid, has responded to news reports that several B.C. rest areas were to be shut down.

In a series of letters to several B.C. newspapers, Reid writes “We are not pursuing any closures of rest areas…To ensure the long-term sustainability of rest areas, new legislation has been enacted that enables my ministry to allow commercial activities on highway rights-of-way.”

She adds the province may begin looking for private investors to offer rest area services and amenities.

Earlier this month, several B.C. newspapers reported five rest areas were destined to be permanently closed.

“We are committed to providing a transportation network that helps people reach their destinations safely and comfortably,” says Reid.