Sea-to-Sky mayors support plan
Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman echoed Sturdy’s thoughts.
“With 50% of the Squamish-based respondents indicating that they travel north or south for work, it’s clear that a regional transit service would benefit our residents,” she said. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the results of this survey can drive recommendations, and what opportunities we may have to fund such service upgrades.”
The upcoming consultations will include discussion about potential stops, routing, schedules and fares for the possible service.
Increasing and improving transit is “vital to the village of Pemberton,” said Mayor Mike Richman “With the increase of congestion on Highway 99, an upgraded transit system will not only have positive impacts on current housing issues, economic growth, access to jobs and essential services, but assist us with our goal of being a Carbon Neutral community.”
The proposal has also received support from the chair of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board, Jack Crompton.
“Reliable and affordable regional transit will reduce our auto-dependence, alleviate traffic congestion, shrink our carbon footprint, and make it easier for residents without cars to access employment, educational opportunities and other essential services,” Crompton said. “We’re excited to work with our partners to move this project forward.”
Whistler’s mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said regardless of what comes out of the consultations and ideas for further transit plans, her municipality is committed to maintaining the resort’s local transit service already in place and ” working with our provincial and regional partners to find solutions that meet our shared needs and have viable funding arrangements.”
Those looking to get involved with the consultation are invited to attend consultations in person, or participate in them online. An online survey – along with details about the proposed concept – is available at https://bctransit.com/seatosky/home
Sea-to-Sky transit consultation schedule
Thursday, March 2
- Where: Whistler Public Library – 4329 Main Street, Whistler
- When: Thursday, March 2, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.
Friday, March 3
- Where: Britannia Beach Community Centre – Britannia Beach
- When: Friday, March 3, from 10 am to noon
- Where: Sta-mus Room, Totem Hall – Squamish Nation
- When: Friday, March 3, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
- Where: Brennan Park Recreationa Centre – 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish
- When: Friday, March 3, from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Saturday, March 3
- Where: Ullus Community Centre – Lil’wat Nation
- When: Friday, March 3, from 11 am to 1 pm
- Where: Pemberton and District Community Centre – 7390 Cottonwood Street, Pemberton
- When: Friday, March 3, from 2 pm to 4 pm.