Whale-watching tragedy renews calls for new Tofino helipad

Last Sunday's whale-watching tragedy is renewingcalls to upgrade Tofino General Hospital's helipad, which has not been used since it failed to meet Transport Canada standards in 2011.

Tofino's emergencyresponse capabilities were thrust into the international spotlightafter a whale-watching vessel with 27 passengers capsized Oct. 25, but critics say it should have been top priority long ago.

"I'm not aware of any other regional hospital or general hospital in the province that doesn't have proximal access to ahelipad," saidAlberni-Pacific RimMLA ScottFraser.

• B.C. Premier Christy Clark praises rescuers in Tofino boat tragedy

• Tofino 'somber' after whale-watching tragedy, says Mayor Josie Osborne

After peoplewere plucked from the ocean, several victims of the accident needed to be airlifted to other hospitals, but first they were driven 20 minutes to the Tofino airport.

On Tuesday Premier Christy Clark promised to work on getting a helipadfor the TofinoHospital, but the government has yet to announce any specific details.

Alberni-ClayoquotRegional Hospital District officials have been demanding action on the helipad for years.

Now the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is investigating options.

Tree height and land ownership are cited as reasons for delays, and there is an alternative landing site, said Valerie Wilson, a spokesperson for VIHA.

"Obviously it is not an ideal situation," said Wilson.

A consultant is working on options for the upgrade, or replacement, that are expected to be presented early in 2016.