All three local governments have an interest in the walkability of Powell River.
Both for recreation and transportation, enhancing walkability has the potential for substantially improving the health of a community. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) consulted first with Powell River Regional District, Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation and City of Powell River, and is now hosting a public forum on active transit, with a focus on the walkability of Powell River.
With funding from Healthy Families BC, the forum will take place from 6 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, May 22, at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre.
Based on information from the 2011 Census, StatsCan 2013 states that in terms of mode of transportation for work, Powell River currently walks to work a little more than the provincial average, but lags behind in cycling to and from work.
Dr. Nicole Vaugeois, Vancouver Island University’s regional innovation chair in tourism and sustainable rural development, and Val Litwin, CEO of Whistler Chamber of Commerce, will also attend the event to provide information on the socioeconomic benefits of active transit in terms of community sustainability, new resident attraction and retention.
The public will be engaged through a facilitated dialogue in which ideas about active transit will be solicited and compiled through individual, small and full group discussions.
Powell River Cycling Association is also supporting this event. Vice-president Chris Morwood will be on hand to highlight some of the work happening to improve cycling in the community and discuss how that work relates to walkability and active transit in general.
The results of this public forum will be taken by VCH representatives to the three local governments to assist them in developing a walkability strategy.
Those who can’t make it to the event can complete a short survey on walking which is available online and on the Facebook event page: Active Transit: Powell River Walkability Forum.
For more information readers can call event organizer Christine Hollmann at 604.414.5125.
