Transit System: West Kootenay
NELSON – BC Transit congratulates the Regional District of Central
Kootenay, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and the City of Nelson on receiving
the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Excellence Award in the Partnerships
category. The award was presented last week at the end of the annual UBCM workshop.
“The Partnerships category recognizes two or more partners who have
collaborated on a joint venture or initiative with outstanding results. The
ability to break down barriers, identify and promote common goals, and develop
innovative solutions to shared challenges or visions are all significant measures
of success. When an initiative meets the needs and aspirations of the partners
as well as the broader public, the benefits from cooperation set a benchmark
for all communities.” UBCM
BC Transit approached community leaders with 9 separate operating agreements
and encouraged them to strike their own regional transit committee.
On June 6, 2012 the West Kootenay Transit Committee held its first meeting.
The Committee, consisting of 3 area directors from each of the Central Kootenay
and Kootenay Boundary Regional Districts along with a council representative
from the City of Nelson will work together to best manage resources and funding.
“The high level of communication and cooperation demonstrated by the West
Kootenay Transit Committee is exactly what the BC Transit Independent Review
Panel recommended last August,” said Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister Mary Polak. “In September the Government of British Columbia announced
an action plan to further partnership between local government and BC Transit
throughout the province. We have a great transit system and a strengthened partnership
approach will make it even better.”
The UBCM, with its Community Excellence Award in the Partnerships
category, honoured the leadership and innovation shown by the West Kootenay
Transit Committee and the selflessness of local leaders who are working for
their greater good of the constituents by introducing a unified riders’
guide and fare structure with the goal of creating seamless regional travel.
“We are very pleased that UBCM has recognized our joint regional partnership
in working together to provide better public transit for our residents. It shows
how much stronger we all are when we work together cooperatively,” said
West Kootenay Transit Committee Chair Lawrence Chernoff.
“We applaud the outstanding leadership demonstrated by our local government
partners,” said Manuel Achadinha, President and CEO of BC Transit. “We
look forward to continuing to work with our partners, the West Kootenay Transit
Committee, to make public transit efficient, effective; and to ensure it meets
the needs of the communities within the region.
Media Contact:
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
d: 250.995.5720
c: 250.507.8145
meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
www.bctransit.com
