Transit System: Pemberton Valley, Sea To Sky, Squamish, Whistler
Sea to Sky – Six public consultations are scheduled for March 2 to 4 to discuss concepts for a proposed Sea to Sky regional transit service.
“I am looking forward to having a discussion about acting on the need to develop a regional transit service through the Sea to Sky corridor,” said Jordan Sturdy MLA West Vancouver – Sea to Sky on behalf of Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Through the initial public consultation we heard there is a desire for services from Pemberton through to Vancouver. The next step is to discuss potential route concepts with the public and local government partners, which will inform costs and determine what opportunities we have to move this project forward.”
The public consultations are a partnership between BC Transit, MLA for West Vancouver – Sea to Sky Jordan Sturdy on behalf of the Province and local governments. The proposed concepts were created after positive support was provided for a potential service in the Sea to Sky region during the first round of public consultations in the fall of 2016.
“Exploring concepts with potential transit users is an important stage in assessing the feasibility of the new proposed service for the Sea to Sky region,” said Manuel Achadinha, BC Transit President and Chief Executive Officer. “It is our goal to connect people and communities, and gathering further feedback will help us achieve this goal.”
The consultation will include discussion about potential stops, routing, schedules and fares for a possible service operating along the Sea to Sky corridor with service to Vancouver.
You can participate in the public consultation online and in-person. An online survey, along with details about the proposed concept, is available at BCTransit.com/seatosky. People can also participate at the in-person sessions listed at the bottom of the release.
“The Whistler Transportation Advisory Group has been actively exploring transportation models that reduce dependence on personal vehicle use. Increased transportation options on the Sea to Sky Corridor are essential to achieving our goals of reduced highway traffic congestion and improved transit experiences for both residents and guests,” said Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “We are committed to maintaining our local transit service and working with our provincial and regional partners to find solutions that meet our shared needs and have viable funding arrangements.”
“With 50 per cent 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,” said District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “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.”
“We have a great opportunity here to lead the charge on accessible transit and reducing our carbon footprint,” said Village of Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman. “Increasing and improving transit is vital to the Village of Pemberton and our neighbouring communities. 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 Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has long supported the development of a convenient, efficient and financially sustainable regional transit system for the Sea to Sky Corridor,” said Jack Crompton, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board Chair. “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. We’re excited to work with our partners to move this project forward.”
In light of the tremendous growth the region has experienced over the past few years, along with an increase in tourism, a focus on interconnectivity between Metro Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, the Pemberton Valley and surrounding regions will be at the forefront of plans. Improving the accessibility of these communities is also one of the key goals in BC on the Move – the province’s 10-year transportation plan to support economic growth and provide more travel options for British Columbians.
Visit these sections of the website for more information on current transit services in Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton.
Media Contact
Jonathon Dyck, BC Transit, communications manager
media@bctransit.com 250-995-5720
Open House Information
Thursday, March 2
Whistler
4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Public Library
Fireside Lounge
Friday, March 3
Britannia Beach
10 a.m. to noon
Britannia Beach Community Centre
Squamish Nation
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Totem Hall
Sta-mus Room
Squamish
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Brennan Park Recreational Centre
Black Tusk Room
Saturday, March 4
Lil’wat Nation
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ullus Community Complex
Pemberton
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pemberton and District Community Centre
